Woodpeckers in West Virginia

Seven regular species of woodpeckers call West Virginia their home. The similar looking downy and hairy are counted among the most common. The northern flicker is also fairly common, with its yellow-shafted subspecies inhabiting the state. The striking-looking pileated woodpecker, another common one, can be found throughout West Virginia but is more predominant in its northern and western parts. 

The lone sapsucker of WV, the yellow-bellied, can be found throughout much of the state in the spring and summer. They head south for the winter. Some red-headed woodpeckers may also show the same behavior, while the rest may stay back for the winter if food sources are available. The other woodpeckers on the list are all year-round residents. 

Woodpeckers in West Virginia (WV)

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in West Virginia

NameIdentifying FeaturesWhere They Are Found in West Virginia
Downy WoodpeckerSmall size, white back with black spotsThroughout forests and woodlands statewide
Hairy WoodpeckerLarger size, all-black back, white undersideWooded areas, forests, and parks
Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed cap on head, black and white barred backCommonly found in woodlands and suburban areas
Northern FlickerBrown body with black bars, white rumpOpen woodlands, edges, and suburban areas
Pileated WoodpeckerLarge size, red crest, black body with white stripesLarge tracts of mature forests and woodlands
Yellow-bellied SapsuckerYellowish belly, black and white striped headWoodlands with deciduous trees, particularly maples
Red-headed WoodpeckerRed head, black and white bodyOpen woodlands, savannas, and agricultural areas
Black-backed WoodpeckerBlack back, white spots on wingsConiferous forests, particularly during outbreaks of bark beetles
Ivory-billed WoodpeckerLarge size, mostly black with white billHistorically found in extensive mature forests, now considered extinct in WV

Despite the red-headed woodpecker having a wide range and presence in almost every state from the Rockies eastwards, it is not very common in West Virginia. Going one step further, the black-backed woodpecker is rare in the state.

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