The Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are well known for their specialized feeding behaviors. With chisel-like bills, these birds excavate wood or peel bark in search of insects. Their long tongues are barbed at the tip to aid in removing insects from tunnels and crevices.

by John Rakestraw

Fourteen species of woodpecker have been found in Washington and Oregon.  Of these, four are most likely to be found in your yard.  At backyard feeding stations, these woodpeckers are most attracted to suet, peanut butter, peanut halves, and sunflower seeds.

The little Downy Woodpecker (shown above) is instantly recognized by its small size, mostly black upperparts, and dingy white underparts. Hairy Woodpeckers show an almost identical pattern, but are over two inches longer than Downies.  The best way to tell the two species apart is by their bills:  Downy Woodpeckers have stubby little bills surrounded by a tuft of white feathers. The bills of Hairy Woodpeckers are noticeably longer.   

The Northern Flicker (left) is a striking bird with its gray head, golden brown back and wings marked with black stripes. The pale underparts sport black spots and a large black crescent on the breast. In flight, flickers show a bright white rump patch. Portland area flickers are mostly the western race (red-shafted), showing a reddish cast on their wings and tail. Occasionally, an eastern “yellow-shafted” flicker will turn up in our area. The two races frequently interbreed so you may see a bird showing characteristics of both races. Unlike other woodpeckers, Northern Flickers often feed on the ground.

About the same size as a crow, the Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. At rest, this large bird appears mostly black, with some white on its face and neck and a prominent red crest. In flight,  Pileated Woodpeckers flash brilliant white panels under the wings and smaller white patches on the wings’ upper sides. You can tell when you are in a Pileated’s territory by the large rectangular holes excavated in trees.

Woodpeckers nest in cavities that they excavate in tree trunks. Many birds, mammals, and even reptiles rely on old woodpecker cavities for their nests.  Instead of singing, woodpeckers proclaim their territory and advertise for mates by drumming.  Some Northern Flickers have learned that they can make even more noise by drumming on streetlights, gutters, or metal chimney caps!

... Downy Woodpecker pen and ink sketch by Genece Klein
... Northern Flicker photograph by Steve Berliner