Woodpeckers in Idaho

Idaho is home to fifteen different woodpecker species. Some require specific habitats, like coniferous forests, while others adapt to various environments, including urban areas. The most common woodpecker in Idaho is the black-and-white hairy woodpecker, while the least common is the white-headed woodpecker.

Idaho is one of the few states that hosts the American three-toed woodpecker as a year-round resident. Another remarkable species is the Lewis’s woodpecker, known for its unique ability to catch insects mid-air, a behavior uncommon among many other woodpeckers. It rarely drills into trees looking for insects.

Woodpeckers in Idaho (ID)

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Idaho

NameIdentifying FeaturesWhere They Are Found in Idaho
Downy WoodpeckerSmall, white belly and white spotsWooded areas, forests, and urban neighborhoods
Hairy WoodpeckerLarger than Downy, with a longer billWoodlands, forests, and suburban areas with trees
Northern FlickerBrown with black spots, red crescent on the napeOpen areas, fields, and wood edges with suitable foraging
Lewis’s WoodpeckerDark greenish-black with pink belly and gray collarOpen woodlands, often found near burned or dead trees
Williamson’s SapsuckerBlack back and wings, white undersides, red throat and crownConiferous and mixed forests, particularly during breeding
Red-naped SapsuckerBlack back, white undersides, red napeMixed woodlands, coniferous forests, especially during migration
American Three-toed WoodpeckerBlack with white stripes and a yellow crownConiferous forests and woodlands, particularly in mountainous regions
Black-backed WoodpeckerEntirely black plumage with white on the wings and a yellow capConiferous forests, especially in burned or dead tree areas
Acorn WoodpeckerBlack with a white face and throat and a red capOak woodlands, mixed forests, and open areas
Red-headed WoodpeckerDistinctive red head and white bellyWoodlands, forests, and open country areas
Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed cap on the head and pale belly with faint streaksWooded areas, parks, and suburban neighborhoods
Yellow-bellied SapsuckerBlack and white with a yellowish bellyDeciduous and coniferous forests, especially during migration
Red-breasted SapsuckerRed throat and breast, white bellyConiferous forests and mixed woodlands, especially during breeding
Pileated WoodpeckerLarge size, black with white stripes, and red crestMature forests, especially in larger wooded areas
White-headed WoodpeckerWhite head and underparts with black back and wingsConiferous forests, particularly in mountainous regions

The last seven species in the list are rare or accidental in the state, while the remaining eight are regularly occurring.

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