A total of nine woodpecker species call New Hampshire home. Among them, the downy is the smallest at 6.1 inches. It closely resembles the hairy, which is slightly larger. The largest is the pileated woodpecker at 17.5 inches, characterized by a loud call with a rising and falling pitch. Although relatively scarce, their numbers are rising every year.
Not all these birds are year-round residents of the Granite State. The red-bellied and red-headed woodpeckers typically travel south during the winter, but they might overwinter in localities with ample backyard feeders. The northern flicker is another migratory species that travels through the state in the winter and fall. The yellow-bellied sapsucker has a breeding range here and can be seen in the spring and summer.
Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in New Hampshire
Name
Identifying Features
Where They Are Found in New Hampshire
Downy Woodpecker
Small size, black and white plumage
Common throughout the state, found in woodlands and urban areas
Hairy Woodpecker
Larger than Downy, black and white plumage
Common in forests and wooded areas, especially in the north
Northern Flicker
Brown with black bars on back, white rump patch, spotted breast
Found in various habitats, including woodlands, open areas, and urban areas
Pileated Woodpecker
Large size, black with white stripes on face and neck
Mostly in large tracts of mature forests, less common in urban areas
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red wash on belly, black and white plumage
Occasional, found in forests with mature trees throughout the state
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black and white plumage, yellow wash on belly
Occurs in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly during migration
Black-backed Woodpecker
Black plumage with white stripes on the back
Rarely seen, typically found in coniferous forests in the northern part of the state
Very rare, occasional sightings reported in open woodlands and forests
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Black and white plumage, three-toed feet
Rare and localized, found in coniferous forests, especially in the White Mountains
The most common woodpecker species in New Hampshire are the downy, hairy, red-headed woodpeckers, and the northern flicker. The American three-toed woodpecker is an accidental species residing in the state, and the red-bellied woodpecker occurs occasionally.
