10 Species of Woodpeckers in Michigan 2023 (Pictures)

There are 10 species of Woodpeckers in Michigan:

The Red-headed Woodpecker, The Red-bellied Woodpecker, The Black-backed Woodpecker, The Downy Woodpecker, The Hairy Woodpecker, The Pileated Woodpecker, The Northern Flicker, The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, The Lewis’s Woodpecker, The American Three-toed Woodpecker.

Read to learn MIND BLOWING facts about each…

10 Species Of Woodpeckers in Michigan

1. The Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking Woodpecker in Michigan, easily identified by its fully red head and black-and-white body pattern, found in open woodlands and oak-hickory forests.

How to identify them

In Michigan, the Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird that captures the attention of many bird enthusiasts.

Its most distinctive feature is its entirely red head, setting it apart from other woodpeckers in the region.

This bird also sports a black and white pattern on its wings and tail, with a white belly.

Where to find them

Red-headed Woodpeckers are quite adaptable and can be found in various habitats across Michigan.

They tend to favor open woodlands, particularly oak and hickory stands.

Additionally, they can be spotted in parks, golf courses, and cemeteries, where they often nest in dead trees or snags.

2. The Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is recognized by its red cap and black-and-white barred pattern, inhabiting deciduous forests and wooded swamps.

How to identify them

Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker has a subtle red blush on its belly that can be difficult to see.

The bird is better recognized by the red cap on the top of its head, which is more prominent in males.

The back and wings of the Red-bellied Woodpecker are covered in a black and white barred pattern, making it easy to distinguish from other species.

Where to find them

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a common sight in Michigan’s deciduous forests, particularly in the southern and central parts of the state.

It also inhabits wooded swamps, orchards, and suburban areas with plenty of mature trees.

In general, this woodpecker is quite adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats.

3. The Black-backed Woodpecker

The Black-backed Woodpecker, found in northern Michigan, is known for its black back and preference for burned or disturbed habitats within mature coniferous forests.

How to identify them

The Black-backed Woodpecker is named for its jet-black back, which contrasts sharply with its white underparts.

Males have a distinctive yellow patch on their foreheads, which helps differentiate them from females.

This bird is relatively small compared to other woodpeckers, with a body length of about 9 inches.

Where to find them

Black-backed Woodpeckers are primarily found in the northernmost parts of Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula.

They prefer mature coniferous forests and are closely associated with burned or disturbed habitats.

In fact, they are often seen in areas recently affected by wildfires or insect outbreaks, where they feed on wood-boring beetles.

4. The Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is Michigan’s smallest woodpecker, with a black-and-white pattern and a red patch on male heads, frequently seen in deciduous woods and suburban areas.

How to identify them

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker species in Michigan, measuring just 6 inches in length.

It has a black and white pattern on its back and wings, with a white belly and a distinctive black stripe running through its eye.

Males also have a small red patch on the back of their heads.

Where to find them

Downy Woodpeckers are widespread throughout Michigan and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to suburban backyards.

They are particularly fond of deciduous woods and shrubby areas with plenty of small branches for foraging.

In urban settings, they can be seen visiting backyard bird feeders, where they enjoy suet and sunflower seeds.

5. The Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker, similar in appearance to the Downy but larger is found in both deciduous and mixed forests across the state.

How to identify them

The Hairy Woodpecker is similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker but is noticeably larger, with a body length of around 9 inches.

It also has a longer bill and lacks the black spots on its white outer tail feathers that the Downy Woodpecker possesses.

Like the Downy, males of this species have a red patch on the back of their heads.

Where to find them

Hairy Woodpeckers are found throughout Michigan, in both deciduous and mixed forests.

6. The Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker, one of the largest woodpeckers in North America, is known for its striking red crest and preference for mature forests.

How to identify them

The Pileated Woodpecker is an impressive bird, being one of the largest woodpeckers in North America.

It measures around 16 to 19 inches in length and has a striking red crest on its head.

Both males and females have a black body with white stripes on the face and neck, but males have an additional red stripe on the cheek.

Where to find them

Pileated Woodpeckers are relatively widespread in Michigan, particularly in mature deciduous and mixed forests with large, dead trees.

They can also be found in wooded swamps and suburban areas with plenty of tree cover.

These woodpeckers require large territories, so they may be more challenging to spot than some other species.

7. The Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker is a ground-foraging Woodpecker, featuring a brownish body with black barring and a distinctive black crescent on its chest.

How to identify them

The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a brownish body and black barring on its back and wings.

It has a distinctive black crescent on its chest, a white rump patch, and bright yellow or red shafts on its wing and tail feathers, depending on the subspecies.

Males also have a black or red mustache stripe, depending on the subspecies.

Where to find them

Northern Flickers are found throughout Michigan and are quite adaptable, inhabiting various habitats such as forests, woodlands, and even open fields.

They can also be found in suburban and urban areas, often foraging on the ground for ants and other insects.

During migration, they may be observed in large flocks.

8. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a breeding Woodpecker in Michigan, identified by its black-and-white striped face, red cap, and subtle yellow belly, favoring mixed and deciduous forests.

How to identify them

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a black and white striped face and a red cap on its head.

Males have a red throat patch, while females have a white throat.

As its name suggests, this bird has a yellowish wash on its belly, although it can be quite subtle.

Where to find them

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers breed in the northern parts of Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula.

They prefer mixed and deciduous forests with plenty of young trees, where they drill sap wells to feed on tree sap and insects.

During migration, they can be found throughout the state.

9. The Lewis’s Woodpecker

The Lewis’s Woodpecker is a rare sighting in Michigan, characterized by its greenish-black body, pinkish-red belly, and gray collar, typically found in open woodlands.

How to identify them

The Lewis’s Woodpecker is a unique-looking bird with a dark greenish-black body and a pinkish-red belly.

It has a gray collar around its neck and a red face.

This woodpecker has a relatively weak, slow flight compared to other woodpeckers and often catches insects on the wing, much like a flycatcher.

Where to find them

Lewis’s Woodpeckers are not typically found in Michigan, as their range is primarily in the western United States.

However, rare sightings have occurred in the state, usually during migration or as a result of unusual weather patterns.

If spotted in Michigan, it would likely be in open woodlands or areas with scattered trees.

10. The American Three-toed Woodpecker

The American Three-toed Woodpecker is a small, black-and-white Woodpecker, primarily found in the state’s northern coniferous forests, recognizable by its unique three-toed feet.

How to identify them

The American Three-toed Woodpecker is a small to medium-sized woodpecker with a black and white barred back and a white belly.

It has a yellow cap on its head, which is more prominent in males.

As its name suggests, this bird has only three toes on each foot, unlike most woodpeckers, which have four.

Where to find them

American Three-toed Woodpeckers are primarily found in the northern parts of Michigan, especially in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula.

How to Attract Woodpeckers to Your Backyard

To attract woodpeckers to your backyard, consider providing food sources such as suet feeders, peanut butter, or sunflower seeds. 

Additionally, leaving dead trees or snags standing can offer natural nesting sites and foraging opportunities. 

Providing water sources like birdbaths and maintaining a diverse habitat with a mix of trees, shrubs, and open areas can also help.

FAQs About Woodpeckers in Michigan

What is the most common woodpecker in Michigan?

The Downy Woodpecker is the most common woodpecker in Michigan, found in a variety of habitats from forests to suburban backyards.

What kind of woodpeckers are found in Michigan?

Michigan is home to several woodpecker species, including the Red-headed, Red-bellied, Black-backed, Downy, Hairy, Pileated, Northern Flicker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and occasionally the American Three-toed Woodpecker.

What is the big woodpecker in Michigan?

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker species found in Michigan, measuring around 16 to 19 inches in length.

What are the flickers of Michigan?

The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker species found in Michigan, known for its brownish body with black barring and its distinctive ground-foraging habits.

What is the Michigan rare woodpecker?

The Lewis’s Woodpecker is a rare woodpecker species in Michigan, with sightings typically limited to occasional instances during migration or unusual weather patterns.

Final Thoughts About Woodpeckers in Michigan

Woodpeckers in Michigan are an essential part of the ecosystem, contributing to the health and diversity of the state’s forests and woodlands. 

By learning to identify these fascinating birds and understanding their unique behaviors, we can better appreciate their role in our natural environment and make an effort to protect their habitats for future generations to enjoy.