Black and white woodpeckers are a common sight across North America. These birds are recognized by their striking plumage, which helps them blend into their arboreal habitats. They are a familiar part of many ecosystems, from forests to suburban backyards.
Common Black and White Woodpecker Species
North America is home to several prominent black and white woodpecker species, each possessing distinct characteristics.
The Downy Woodpecker typically measures between 14 to 18 centimeters (5.5 to 7.1 inches) in length. Its plumage is black on the upperparts, with a white back, throat, and belly, and white spotting on its wings. It has a black tail with white outer feathers, often barred with black, and white stripes above and below the eyes. Males also feature a small red patch on the back of their heads.
The Hairy Woodpecker, a medium-sized species, measures around 18 to 26 centimeters (7.1 to 10.2 inches) long with a wingspan of 33 to 43 centimeters (13 to 17 inches). It shares a similar black and white plumage pattern with the Downy, with black upperparts, a white back, and white spotting on its wings. Like the Downy, male Hairy Woodpeckers also display a red patch on the back of their heads.
The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpecker species, comparable in size to a crow, typically ranging from 40 to 49 centimeters (16 to 19 inches) in length with a wingspan of 66 to 75 centimeters (26 to 30 inches). Its body is primarily black, with bold white stripes running down the sides of its face and neck, and a prominent flaming-red crest. White flashes are visible on its wings during flight. Male Pileated Woodpeckers can be identified by a red stripe extending from the bill to the throat, a feature that is black in females.
Distinguishing Features and Sounds
Differentiating between black and white woodpecker species often involves observing subtle yet telling details, particularly between the similar-looking Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.
A primary distinction lies in their size; the Downy Woodpecker is the smallest in North America, while the Hairy Woodpecker is noticeably larger. Their bills also provide a key identifier: the Downy’s bill is notably shorter than its head, presenting a more delicate appearance, whereas the Hairy’s bill is robust and nearly as long as its head.
Another distinguishing characteristic can be found in their tail feathers. The Downy Woodpecker typically has black spots or bars on its white outer tail feathers, while the Hairy Woodpecker generally possesses all-white outer tail feathers.
Vocalizations and drumming patterns also serve as important identifiers. The Downy Woodpecker produces a short “pik” call and a descending “whinny” sound. The Hairy Woodpecker, conversely, has an explosive “peek” call, which can be surprisingly higher-pitched than the Downy’s. When drumming, the Hairy Woodpecker’s drumming is generally louder and has slightly greater intervals between each stroke compared to the Downy’s. Pileated Woodpeckers are known for their deep, loud drumming and shrill, whinnying calls, often heard before they are seen. Their foraging activity also leaves distinctive, large rectangular holes in trees.
Where They Live and What They Eat
Downy Woodpeckers are widespread across forested areas of the United States and Canada, excluding arid deserts and northern tundras. They are also frequently observed in open woodlands, suburban parks, and backyards. Their diet primarily consists of insects, including beetle larvae, ants, and caterpillars, which they extract from wood. They also supplement their diet with plant material such as seeds and berries, and are common visitors to backyard feeders for suet and sunflower seeds.
Hairy Woodpeckers prefer mature forests across the continent, but can also be found in woodlots, suburban areas, and parks where larger trees are present. They primarily feed on wood-boring insects, including carpenter ants.
Pileated Woodpeckers typically reside in mature forests with abundant dead trees and downed logs. These large woodpeckers are primarily insectivores, with carpenter ants being a significant part of their diet. Their extensive excavations in trees create crucial nesting and roosting sites for various other wildlife species.
The Diverse World of Woodpeckers
While many familiar woodpecker species are black and white, the family Picidae includes a remarkable diversity of colors, such as reds, yellows, and greens.
Woodpeckers play an important role in their ecosystems. They contribute to forest health by controlling insect populations, particularly those that bore into wood. Their foraging and nesting activities create cavities in trees, providing shelter for numerous other birds and small mammals that cannot excavate their own.