Woodpeckers in Wisconsin

With its numerous water bodies spanning over 32,900 miles, Wisconsin is a top draw for woodpeckers due to the abundant insect food sources that its aquatic environment attracts. So, it is no surprise that as many as ten types of woodpeckers are native to the state. With a length of 17.5 inches, the pileated is the largest woodpecker in WI. On the other hand, the smallest is the downy, measuring only 6.1 inches in length. 

Apart from size variations, there are regional and seasonal variations in the population of these birds. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a migratory species that lives in central and northern Wisconsin. This, along with the red-headed woodpecker, are primarily summer residents of WI.

Woodpeckers in Wisconsin (WI)

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Wisconsin

NameIdentifying FeaturesWhere They Are Found in Wisconsin
Downy WoodpeckerSmall size, white back with black spotsCommon throughout forests, woodlands, and urban areas
Hairy WoodpeckerLarger size, all-black back, white undersideWooded areas, forests, and parks
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
Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed cap on head, black and white barred backCommonly found in woodlands and suburban areas
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 bark beetle outbreaks
American Three-toed WoodpeckerBlack back with white stripes, three toesMixed coniferous-deciduous forests, especially in northern WI
Lewis’s WoodpeckerPink belly, gray collar, red face, and breastOak woodlands and savannas, primarily in western WI

The accidental species living here are the Lewis’s, American three-toed, and black-backed woodpeckers. Others are regularly occurring.

FAQs

Q. Are woodpeckers protected in Wisconsin?

Ans. All the woodpeckers are protected in Wisconsin by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which has existed since 1918. So, harming or shooting them is illegal. Permits for killing damage-causing woodpeckers need to be obtained from the United States Fishing and Wildlife Service. But one should try preventive measures first to lure them out of his property.

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