Woodpeckers in Our Area - Seen Year-round

For my first lesson, I will begin with the woodpeckers that live here in southeastern South Dakota during the winter. I will use my own photos comparing the male to the female. I have one photo comparing a Downy to a Hairy Woodpecker on this post that isn’t my photo, but it is so helpful. It is the end of February as I am typing this and I have been hearing the woodpeckers drumming by rapidly tapping their bill on a tree or pole. They are calling for a mate. Spring is on the way! Listen for drumming while you are outdoors.  When looking at photos of woodpeckers, notice how they steady themselves by pressing their tail against the tree or post. 

Downy Woodpecker

This is the smallest North American Woodpeckers. It is black and white with a short bill. The males have red on their head and the females do not. Notice the female in the bottom photos. 

Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker is very similar to the Downy Woodpecker, but it is larger with a longer bill. Notice the same markings and the red is on the male, while the female lacks the red on the head.

Notice the size difference between the Hairy Woodpecker on the left and the Downy Woodpecker on the right. Both woodpeckers are here in our part of the state year round. {The above photo was not taken by me.}

Northern Flicker

The above photo shows a male Northern Flicker at my suet feeder in my yard. Notice the black "mustache". That is the distinctive feature for a male. The female does not have a "mustache". The photo below show the female Northern Flicker.

The photo above shows the red heart shape that is often seen on Northern Flickers.

Look at the photo below. You will often see Northern Flickers with a muddy bill because even though they are a woodpecker, they spend much of their time on the ground eating ants. They are here in the winter, so they change their diet and do not eat ants.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker does have a faint, red belly if you can get a look at it. It's back is black and white striped. It has a white face. It is not often seen in our town, but when I go to the Missouri River I see them in the woodlands. They have a great sound.

Links of Videos About Birds

Inside Birding: Size and Shape - Start at 5:10 for the woodpecker section, but I like the whole video and it would be valuable for all.

10 Downy Woodpecker Facts by Lesley the Bird Nerd

Northern Flicker – Lesley the Bird Nerd

A Red-bellied Woodpecker Overview – By Lesley the Bird Nerd

All About Woodpeckers

Test Yourself - Click on the first photo above. Then go through the photos and see if you can name them.