Woodpeckers in Mississippi

With six national forests occupying over 1.2 million acres, Mississippi is a haven for woodpeckers. It’s no wonder that nine species of these birds, with their distinctive, loud drumming sounds, call it their home. 

The red-bellied and red-headed woodpeckers are more common in the southern part of the state. The red-bellied woodpecker is the most common species in Mississippi throughout the year, while the red-headed woodpecker is more prevalent in the summer. The yellow-bellied spasucker frequents the Magnolia State during the winter months.

Woodpeckers in Mississippi (MS)

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Mississippi

NameIdentifying FeaturesWhere They Are Found in Mississippi
Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed on the head and back with a white bellyCommon in woodlands and forests
Red-headed WoodpeckerBright red head and white bellyThroughout the state
Yellow-bellied SapsuckerBlack and white with a red throat and crownFound in wooded areas
Downy WoodpeckerBlack and white with a small billThroughout the state
Hairy WoodpeckerSimilar to the Downy Woodpecker but largerCommon in woodlands and forests
Northern FlickerBrown with black spots on the bellyVaried habitats across the state
Pileated WoodpeckerLarge with a black body, white stripes, and a red crestIn forested areas. It is less common in urban areas
Red-cockaded WoodpeckerBlack cap and white cheeks with barred black and white wingsLimited to pine forests
Ivory-billed WoodpeckerExtremely rare, primarily black and whiteIt is thought to be extinct, with no recent sightings

The red-cockaded woodpecker is an endangered species on this list, as its population has sharply declined since the 1960s. It requires mature pine woods where most of the understory is cleared out by frequent wildfires. Such specific habitats are scarce these days. Conservation efforts are underway, and as of 2020, there were 579 active clusters of the species in four ranger districts. You can spot them in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, the De Soto, Homochitto, and Bienville National Forests.

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