Woodpeckers are an iconic part of Illinois wildlife, known for their distinctive drumming on trees and loud cries in the forest. They have been observed in various state regions, with some species being more common than others. Despite the commonality of woodpeckers in Illinois, very little is known about their behavior and population trends. This article will explore the variety of woodpeckers in Illinois and discuss their habitats and behaviors.
These woodpeckers can often be seen excavating holes for nesting or food storage purposes on dead trees or tree stumps.
7 Species of Woodpeckers in Illinois:
Illinois is home to a wide range of woodpecker species. These birds are important for their many roles in the ecosystem, such as controlling insect populations and dispersing tree seeds. Seven native woodpeckers can be found in Illinois, each with its unique characteristics.
Pileated Woodpecker:
Pileated Woodpeckers can be found living in Illinois. This large woodpecker is an impressive sight with a striking red crest and black body. The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of all North American woodpeckers, and its powerful beak drills hole two to three inches wide into dead trees to feed on insects. It also feeds on carpenter ants, which it finds by chiseling away bark to create shallow pits in search of food.
This species has adapted well to human activity and can often be seen in urban parks or forests. They are common across Illinois, but they prefer more mature woods with more giant trees that offer plenty of nesting sites, food sources, and hollowed-out areas for roosting during the winter months.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name: DryocopusPileatus
• Length:15.8–19.3 inches
• Weight:8.8–12.3 ounces
• Wingspan:26–29.5 inches
Behavior:
The behavior of pileated woodpeckers is unique in many ways. For example, unlike most other woodpecker species, Pileateds do not migrate. They spend their entire lives in one place and build several years of nests.
These birds can be identified by their loud call, red crest, and black body. Although these birds look intimidating, they are pretty docile and rarely attack humans or other animals.
Where to Find Them:
In the United States, pileated woodpeckers can be found from coast to coast; however, they can be especially abundant in certain areas. The Eastern forests of North America provide ideal nesting habitats for this species. Look for them in deciduous or mixed-wood forests with plenty of dead trees for their feeding and nesting activities.
How to Attract Them:
Attracting pileated woodpeckers to your backyard can be a rewarding experience. Not only do they add color and character to the landscape, but they also help control insect populations by eating grubs, ants, and beetles. Whether you’re looking to observe or attract them for nesting purposes, here are some helpful tips on bringing these beautiful birds into your life.
To start your pileated woodpecker-attracting journey, you should create a habitat that meets their needs. This includes providing large trees for foraging and tall snags where they can perch; dead tree limbs are even better because this is where the bugs congregate. You should also provide plenty of suet feeders and birdhouses with two-inch entrance holes; pileated woodpeckers prefer larger houses than most other species of birds.
Downy Woodpeckers in Illinois:
Downy Woodpeckers are a common sight across Illinois. This small, black, and white bird is easily identified by its size and distinct call. The downy woodpecker has quite an extensive range in the United States, spanning from northern Alaska to Florida and from Canada to Texas. It can also be found in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. In Illinois specifically, these birds can typically be seen year-round in the northern part of the state and near forests or wooded areas throughout central and southern Illinois.
These birds are mainly insectivores but feed on other sources such as berries, tree sap, fruits, nuts, grains, and even suet. They create their nest by pecking holes into trees they inhabit for shelter during winter when food is scarce.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name: DryobatesPubescens
• Length:5.5–7 inches
• Weight: 0.7–1 ounce
• Wingspan:10–11.8 inches
Behavior:
Downy Woodpeckers have several behaviors that make them distinct from other bird species. They create drumming patterns on tree trunks which they use as a form of communication with other Downy Woodpeckers. They also display territoriality through aggressive pecking, tapping loudly on tree branches to ward off intruders from their area. In contrast, when interacting with other birds of their species, they are much more relaxed and can be seen flying together or engaging in courtship rituals such as singing duets or displaying mating dances.
Where to Find Them:
The Downy Woodpecker is a common year-round resident of the United States. Often seen in backyards, parks, and woodlots, it frequents various habitats, including deciduous forests, orchards, and farmland. These birds are easy to spot with their bright red heads, black and white stripes on their backs and wings, and short, stiff tails.
In the East, one can find these birds from Maine to Florida, with large populations from New York to Ohio; while in the West, they range from Alaska down through California.
How to Attract Them:
If you want to attract downy woodpeckers to your backyard, you can take some simple steps to make them feel welcome.
The first step is to provide food sources that downy woodpeckers love. Suet, a combination of fats and seeds, is one of the best foods for attracting these birds. You can also put cracked corn or sunflower seeds on feeders placed on trees or posts near your house. Planting berry-producing shrubs such as serviceberry or dogwood will help provide natural food sources throughout the year.
Hairy Woodpecker:
The Hairy Woodpecker is a familiar sight to many in Illinois. It lives in mature woodlands and suburban areas near parks and residential neighborhoods, making it easy to spot. This highly adaptable bird is easily identified by its black and white patterned feathers and the red patch at the back of its head.
Known for their loud drumming sound on tree trunks, these birds are primarily found in deciduous forests searching for insects beneath the bark. They will also feed on nuts or berries when available. Hairy Woodpeckers have been known to create cavities in trees where other species of birds can nest, providing an important service within their habitat.
This particular species has been present in Illinois since long before settlement; the first recorded sightings were made during the French exploration of the region during the 17th century.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name: DryobatesVillosus
• Length:7–10.2 inches
• Weight:1.4–3.4 ounces
• Wingspan:13–16.1 inches
Behavior:
The Hairy Woodpecker has been observed using sticks or pine cones as tools while searching for food. They may use these objects to stir up prey that would otherwise be difficult to reach with their bills alone.
Where to Find Them:
The first place to search is mature deciduous forests with plenty of dead trees and stumps that the birds can use to drill holes for food. Look for the characteristic call of the hairy woodpecker resonating through the treetops; this distinct rhythm is often described as “cherries-churr churr.
How to Attract Them:
The best way to attract a hairy woodpecker is to provide a variety of food sources. Offering different types of seeds, nuts, fruit, and suet will give them something to munch on when they come to visit. Providing birdhouses made from cedar or pine may also entice them to nest in the area. It would be best to consider creating an inviting habitat with plenty of trees and brushy areas for them to explore and feed in.
Northern Flicker:
The Northern Flicker woodpecker is a species of bird that has been spotted throughout the state of Illinois. It’s a medium-sized, red-headed woodpecker with black spots on its wings and back. This species is found in both open woodlands and residential areas. The Northern Flicker feeds on insects such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, and flies.
The Northern Flicker plays an important role in maintaining healthy forests by helping to aerate soil through their excavations into trees for nesting cavities and foraging for food. They also help keep insect populations balanced by consuming large numbers each year. Despite the beneficial effects this bird provides, their population has decreased due to habitat loss caused by human development in some areas of Illinois.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name:ColaptesAuratus
• Length:11–12.2 inches
• Weight:3.9–5.6 ounces
• Wingspan:16.5–20.1 inches
Behavior:
The Northern Flicker plays an important role in maintaining healthy forests by helping to aerate soil through their excavations into trees for nesting cavities and foraging for food. They also help keep insect populations balanced by consuming large numbers each year. Despite the beneficial effects this bird provides, their population has decreased due to habitat loss caused by human development in some areas of Illinois.
Where to Find Them:
The Northern Flicker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in North America. This colorful bird can be seen throughout the continent in open areas with plenty of trees or shrubs. It is common to spot these birds along roadsides, but they can be difficult to find since they are often active during the morning and evening hours when light levels are low.
How to Attract Them:
They’re especially attracted to open woodlands and grassy areas, so the first step in attracting them is creating an inviting habitat. Start by placing feeders with nuts such as sunflower seeds or peanuts near trees or other vegetation. The nesting spots like nest boxes or open branches where they can perch will help draw them in. You may also need to ensure plenty of insects around since they eat both plant matter and insects for food.
Red-Bellied:
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are a common sight in Illinois, gracing the landscape with their unique black and white feathers. These iconic birds are often seen perched on trees and utility poles, searching for insects to eat or excavating holes in the bark of trees. They can also fly around yards and parks, drawn to suet feeders filled with sunflower seeds or nuts.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a year-round resident in Illinois and enjoys many habitats, including forests, woodlands, suburbs, and wetlands. This species is an important part of the state’s ecology as they help disperse seeds from various plants and clean up deadwood that can potentially spread disease. In addition to being beneficial to the environment, they also provide natural beauty with their bright colors, loud calls, and acrobatic flight patterns.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name:MelanerpesCarolinus
• Length:9.4 inches
• Weight:2–3.2 ounces
• Wingspan:13–16.5 inches
Behavior:
The behavior of red-bellied woodpeckers varies depending on the season. In winter, these birds form flocks that forage together for seeds and insects in open woods or fields. However, during the breeding season, they become territorial and aggressively defend their nesting area from other birds or predators. They also like to roost together during this time on high perches such as telephone poles or tree tops where they can easily spot any potential danger below them.
Where to Find Them:
These woodpeckers are typically seen inhabiting deciduous woods, open woods, parks, suburban gardens, and swamps. They mainly feed on insects such as ants and beetles but may also forage for seeds or berries if necessary. Spotting one of these magnificent creatures in its natural habitat requires some patience but is worth it.
How to Attract Them:
You can take a few easy steps to attract the beautiful and colorful red-bellied woodpecker to your yard. These birds are native to the southeastern United States and can be found in backyards with plenty of trees or other natural settings. To create an environment that will make them feel comfortable and welcome, start by offering food. Red-bellied woodpeckers love suet cakes, sunflower seeds, and peanuts – feeders stocked with these items will make them flock!
Red-headed Woodpeckers:
Red-headed woodpeckers are one of the most recognizable bird species in Illinois. These birds have a distinct red head, white and black wings, and a white underbody. They’ve been spotted across the state, from residential neighborhoods to rural areas, and their presence is welcomed by many.
Since it’s the only woodpecker species with an all-red head, you cannot mistake a red-headed woodpecker when you see one. The males have even more coloration than females, boasting bright redheads paired with black and white wings that will immediately catch your eye. Females are more subtle, with brownish-black heads instead of red ones.
This species is classified as threatened in Illinois due to population losses over the last several decades, so they’re a fascinating sight to behold when you encounter them.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name: MelanerpesErythrocephalus
• Length:7.5–9.1 inches
• Weight:2–3.2 ounces
• Wingspan:16.5 inches
Behavior:
These birds are known for striking redheads, white bellies, and blackbacks. They have a distinct call which consists of a loud “Klee-ur” sound. Red-headed woodpeckers are active year-round and remain in the same area throughout their lives instead of migrating as other bird species do.
Where to Find Them:
These colorful woodpecker species are found in many places across North America, but they can be tricky to spot. Knowing where to look and what time of year to search is vital in finding a red-headed woodpecker.
How to Attract Them:
Attracting red-headed woodpeckers to your backyard can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. These birds are lovely and will bring joy to any outdoor space. For the red-headed woodpecker to come to your yard, there are some key steps you will need to take:
- Set up bird feeders in your yard that are designed explicitly for woodpeckers, as they prefer larger seeds than other types of birds feed on.
- Ensure you create a natural habitat with many trees and shrubs that protect you from the elements and predators.
- Offer a variety of water sources so they can drink and bathe in their own time without leaving your property.
Once these basic steps have been taken, you should see more red-headed woodpeckers visiting your backyard!
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker:
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicusvarius) is a woodpecker species native to North America. In Illinois, the bird can be found in many of the state’s forests and parks. The sapsucker prefers mature deciduous or coniferous trees but may also be seen in cities searching for food sources on fruit trees.
This species is relatively small with white underparts, black and white wings, and bright yellow breasts and throat. It has an olive-green back with a red crown patch that distinguishes it from other woodpeckers found in Illinois. Its sharp bill allows it to drill into tree bark to make deep cavities that serve as sap wells for drinking sap and eating insects attracted by the sweet liquid.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name:SphyrapicusVarius
• Length:7.1–8.7 inches
• Weight: 1.5–1.9 ounces
• Wingspan: 13.4–15.8 inches
Behavior:
Its behavior and characteristics are fascinating and may even be considered unusual among other species. The birds are most easily recognized by their yellow underparts, black crown, white stripe across the wing, and red forehead. Depending on the region, they mostly tend to frequent hardwood forests but can also inhabit shrubbery or coniferous forests.
Regarding behavior, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers feed mainly on sap from trees and insects such as ants or beetles from bark crevices. When drilling holes in trees for sap extraction, the birds tend to create neat rows that wrap around the trunks of trees in distinctive patterns – an activity known as “sap sipping,” which attracts swarms of flying insects for food.
Where to Find Them:
In North America, these birds prefer coniferous forests with many dead trees foraging and nesting. This means they thrive in areas like the boreal forest or mountainous regions with dense vegetation. They also favor deciduous hardwood forests or swamps that offer plenty of food sources, like insects and sap from trees.
How to Attract Them:
The first step in attracting the yellow-bellied sapsucker is providing food sources. These birds mainly feed on tree sap, so placing suet feeders or setting up bird baths with water sources near trees will help draw them in. Providing nest boxes may also encourage them to stay around longer or return every year. Planting trees such as maples, birch, or coniferous varieties also helps attract these birds since they’re drawn towards deciduous and coniferous species for feeding and nesting habitat.
Final Thoughts:
The Illinois woodpeckers are a species native to the state and an important part of the surrounding ecosystems. While much remains unknown about its habits and population trends, it is clear that this bird plays a crucial role in its environment. As we continue to learn more about this species, we must take steps to protect it from threats such as habitat loss and climate change. Further research is needed to determine the best protection methods for this unique creature.