Woodpeckers in Oregon

The ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest are brought to life by the rhythmic drumming of various woodpeckers inhabiting Oregon. Certain regions of the state have remarkable woodpecker diversity. For instance, the Portland metro region has the northern flicker, red-breasted sapsucker, downy, hairy, pileated, and acorn woodpeckers. Of them, the northern flicker is the most common. The acorn woodpecker is also fairly common in southern Oregon – in the Rogue Valley and adjacent areas, Klamath River Canyon, and the southern portion of the Willamette Valley. Central Oregon boasts of the beautiful white-headed woodpecker apart from the northern flicker, downy, and pileated.

Woodpeckers in Oregon (OR)

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Oregon

NameIdentifying FeaturesWhere They Are Found in Oregon
Downy WoodpeckerSmall size, black and white plumage, red spot on the back of the headThroughout the state
Hairy WoodpeckerLarger than Downy, similar plumageWooded areas, forests, and suburban neighborhoods
Northern FlickerBrown plumage with black spots, white rumpOpen areas, woodlands, and urban parks
Pileated WoodpeckerLarge size, striking red crest, black and white plumageForested areas and wooded parks throughout the state
Red-breasted SapsuckerRed throat and breast, black and white barred plumageForested areas, particularly in western parts of the state
White-headed WoodpeckerWhite head and neck, black back with white spotsConiferous forests in the Cascade Range and eastern Oregon
Lewis’s WoodpeckerDark greenish-black plumage, pink bellyOpen woodlands, burned areas, and river valleys
Red-naped SapsuckerRed patch on nape, white face and throatWooded areas and forests, particularly in the eastern region
Yellow-bellied SapsuckerYellow belly and white stripes on wingsForested areas, orchards, and wooded suburban neighborhoods
American Three-toed WoodpeckerBlack and white plumage, three-toed feetFound in remote coniferous forests
Black-backed WoodpeckerBlack back with white spots, white undersideDense coniferous forests in the northern parts of the state
Acorn WoodpeckerBlack and white plumage, distinctive red cap and throatOak woodlands and forests in limited parts of the state
Williamson’s SapsuckerBlack and white plumage, red throat and breastConiferous forests and wooded areas, primarily in the west
Nuttall’s WoodpeckerBlack and white barred back, ladder-like patternOak woodlands, riparian areas, and mixed forests
Red-headed WoodpeckerEntirely red head and neckSparse populations in open woodlands and along rivers
Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed patch on the back of the head, black and white barred plumageWoodlands, forests, and suburban areas

While the others are regular residents, the last three on the above list are rarely seen in Oregon. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects all woodpeckers from any possible harm by humans.
Around eleven nesting woodpecker species can be seen at The Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival, an annual birdwatching event centered in Sisters. Hosted by the East Cascades Audubon Society, it focuses on field tours and provides a platform for meeting fellow birders.

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