Woodpeckers are primarily found in the forested areas of Alaska. Seven permanent and two accidental species occur here.
The most common woodpecker in the state is the Downy Woodpecker, which is also the smallest, measuring only 6.1 inches. The American three-toed woodpecker, known for its hardiness, is also abundant, primarily in Alaska’s mature spruce forests.
The yellow-bellied and red-breasted sapsuckers are Alaska’s migratory woodpeckers, appearing exclusively in the state’s southeastern part. Another migratory species is the large northern flicker, measuring between 11.0 and 12.2 inches, which frequents the southcentral and interior regions of the state, primarily in the summer. Alaska is home to two races of northern flickers – the red-shafted, mainly found in Southeast Alaska, and the yellow-shafted, residing in the rest of the state.
Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Alaska
Woodpecker Name
Identifying Feature
Where They Are Found in Alaska
Downy Woodpecker
Small size, white underside, and black wings with white spots
Common in forests, woodlands, and urban areas throughout Alaska.
Hairy Woodpecker
Similar to Downy but larger, with a longer bill
Found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with mature trees.
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Black with white barring and three toes
In coniferous forests, particularly in northern and western Alaska.
Northern Flicker
Pale brown with black bars on the wings and a black crescent on the chest
Commonly seen in open woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Black and white plumage with a yellowish belly and distinctive white wing patches
Mostly found in deciduous and mixed forests, especially during migration.
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Red head and throat, white face, and black wings with white patches
In mixed forests and woodlands, especially in the state’s southeastern part.
Black-backed Woodpecker
Mostly black with a black back
In dense coniferous forests, particularly in northern and interior Alaska.
Lewis’s Woodpecker
Dark greenish-black overall with a pink belly and gray collar
Occasionally seen in open forests and woodlands in parts of southern Alaska.
Great-spotted Woodpecker
Black and white plumage with a red crown on males
Not native to Alaska; it’s primarily found in parts of Europe and Asia. It’s not typically seen in Alaska.
The black-backed woodpecker is uncommon and difficult to spot in Alaska despite not being a migrating species. The great-spotted and Lewis’s woodpeckers are accidental species in Alaska. The former breeds in Russia and other parts of Eurasia. However, occasional sightings were reported in the Aleutian Islands and Pribilofs. The last sighting of the Lewis’s woodpecker in Alaska was in Petersburg in 2016.
