Woodpeckers are a common and intriguing presence in many backyards, known for their distinctive drumming and vibrant plumage. As the colder months approach, a frequent question arises: where do these birds go in the winter? Understanding how woodpeckers navigate the challenges of winter reveals their adaptability and resilience.
Winter Residency vs. Migration
Most North American woodpecker species are year-round residents. They remain in their established territories, enduring cold temperatures. This includes common species such as the Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, and Pileated Woodpeckers. These species possess specialized adaptations that allow them to thrive when food becomes scarcer and conditions harsher.
While the majority are residents, a few woodpecker species do undertake migratory journeys. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a notable exception, highly migratory and moving south to the southern U.S., Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America for the winter. Female Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers tend to migrate farther south than males. The Northern Flicker and Red-headed Woodpecker also exhibit partial migration, with some populations moving south while others remain resident. Additionally, some mountain-dwelling species, like Williamson’s Sapsuckers, engage in altitudinal migration, moving to lower elevations during winter to avoid extreme conditions.
Adapting to Winter Conditions
Woodpeckers employ strategies to survive cold and reduced food availability. Their diet adapts, shifting from insects to a more varied intake. They continue to seek dormant insects, larvae, and pupae under tree bark and within wood, using strong bills to excavate them. Some species, like sapsuckers, feed on tree sap by drilling rows of small holes, known as sap wells, and consuming the oozing liquid.
Many woodpeckers incorporate nuts, seeds, and fruits into their winter diet. Acorn Woodpeckers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers cache food like acorns and other nuts in tree crevices for later consumption. Caching provides a reliable food source when other options are scarce. Beyond natural food sources, woodpeckers readily visit bird feeders, consuming high-energy foods like suet, peanuts, and black oil sunflower seeds. Suet, made from animal fat, provides calories and fat for warmth.
For shelter, woodpeckers rely on cavities in dead or dying trees. These cavities provide insulation from freezing temperatures and protection from predators and harsh weather. While most roost alone, these hollows conserve body heat during winter nights. Physiologically, woodpeckers can fluff their feathers to trap air, creating an insulating layer that maintains body temperature.
Observing Woodpeckers in Winter
Winter offers a good opportunity to observe woodpeckers, as bare trees provide clearer views. Common species like Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers are frequent visitors to suburban areas and bird feeders. Pileated Woodpeckers, while larger and often found in more mature woodlands, can also be spotted, sometimes even at suet feeders. Looking for them on tree trunks, large branches, and at feeding stations aids sightings.
Their distinctive sounds aid in locating them. Woodpeckers communicate through various calls, but their drumming, a rapid pecking on trees or other resonant surfaces, is noticeable in late winter and early spring. This drumming serves to advertise territory and attract mates, rather than foraging for food. To support wintering woodpeckers, providing suet, shelled peanuts, or black oil sunflower seeds at feeders supports them. Ensuring a fresh water source, such as a heated bird bath, is also helpful during freezing temperatures.