Woodpeckers in Florida

Florida’s diverse habitats, ecosystems, and abundant resources of nuts, fruits, insects, and other invertebrates attract a wide array of woodpeckers. The most common is the medium-sized (9-10.5 inches) red-bellied woodpecker, more likely to be found in the southern part of the state. The downy woodpecker, a tiny black-and-white bird, is also common. It weighs a meager 0.8 oz and has a length of only 6.1 inches, making it the smallest in the state. The males have a red crown on the head, something absent in the females.

The largest is the pileated woodpecker, with a length of 17.5 inches. The red-headed woodpecker is also a big species that frequents central Florida.

Woodpeckers in Florida (FL)

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Florida

NameIdentifying FeaturesWhere They Are Found in Florida
Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed cap on the head and pale belly with faint streaksWooded areas, parks, and suburban neighborhoods
Downy WoodpeckerSmall, white belly, and white spotsWooded habitats, gardens, and backyard feeders
Hairy WoodpeckerLarger than Downy, with a longer billWoodlands, forests, and suburban areas with trees
Red-headed WoodpeckerBright red head and white bellyWoodlands, forests, and open country areas
Yellow-bellied SapsuckerBlack and white with yellowish bellyDeciduous and coniferous forests, especially during migration
Red-cockaded WoodpeckerSmall woodpecker with black cap and white cheek patchesPine forests, particularly longleaf pine habitats
Northern FlickerBrown with black spots, red crescent on napeOpen areas, fields, and wood edges with suitable foraging
Pileated WoodpeckerLarge size, black with white stripes, and red crestMature forests, especially in larger wooded areas
Acorn WoodpeckerBlack cap and white face, red on top of the headOak woodlands and oak-filled parks
Golden-fronted WoodpeckerGold patches on the face and napeIt is found in southwestern Florida, near the Mexican border
Williamson’s SapsuckerBlack and white, male has red throatConiferous forests during migration, but sightings are rare
Black-backed WoodpeckerBlack back and white belly, rare in FloridaConiferous forests in the northern parts, but sightings are rare
Golden-olive WoodpeckerOlive-green upperparts, yellow face, and spotted underpartsForests in South Florida, including the Everglades
Red-naped SapsuckerBlack and white with red on the napeDeciduous and coniferous forests during migration
Ivory-billed WoodpeckerGiant woodpecker, black and white with a prominent white crestBelieved to be extinct or extremely rare if still extant

The red-cockaded woodpecker is federally endangered in Florida and enjoys state and federal protection. Nevertheless, following dedicated conservation efforts, that state now hosts around 1,100 active family groups of this species. It is almost 25% of the nation’s red-cockaded woodpecker population and is mostly concentrated in north Florida.

FAQs

Q. Are woodpeckers protected in Florida?

Ans. Woodpeckers can cause damage to your home that may be expensive to repair. Plus, their constant drumming can disrupt daily activities and sleep patterns. If that is the case, you can adopt control measures without killing them, as they are federally protected in the state. They are primarily a nuisance in southwest Florida as it has as many as eight native species – red-bellied, downy, hairy, red-headed, red-cockaded, pileated woodpeckers, yellow-bellied sapsucker, and northern flicker.

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