“Woodpeckers of Sullivan County” by Scott Graber

Ever wonder what Sullivan County’s most common species of woodpecker might be? If you listen to what many believe, you might say it’s the red-headed woodpecker. After all, haven’t you seen woodpeckers with patches of red on their heads? Truth is our county is home to six species of woodpeckers. But nowhere on that list is the so-called red-headed woodpecker.

All six local species have some measure of red on their heads (though often only on the males). Therefore, many people instantly assume that any splash of red on the head makes them “red-headed woodpeckers”. Not so! The actual red-headed woodpecker species (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) has an unmistakable crimson red hood over its entire head, neck, throat, and upper breast and is only occasionally spotted in Sullivan County. In fact, the bird is considered a local rarity and a real treat when spotted! Every one I’ve seen has been well outside the boundaries of our county.

So which woodpeckers do regularly breed in our county? Let’s start by looking at those which are most likely to show up at your bird feeders – particularly on suet baskets. The downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is our smallest and most common woodpecker. It’s a familiar bird at winter feeders. Sometimes it’s mistaken for its cousin, the hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus). The Hairy looks nearly identical to the Downy but its larger size distinguishes the two birds. On average, the Hairy is about three inches taller than its smaller cousin. It also has a thicker and longer bill which is nearly always as long (or longer) than width of its head. Conversely, the Downy’s tiny bill appears much shorter – about 1/3 the width of the head.

Another woodpecker that spends a fair amount of time at feeders is the red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus). This bird is just a bit larger than the hairy woodpecker and is most easily recognized by the black and white zebra pattern on its back. But don’t try to identify this bird by its rather questionable name. The so-called “red belly” is barely discernable as it’s covered in a very light pinkish-red wash. Since it shows a good deal of red on the back and top of its head, it’s probably mistaken for the red-headed woodpecker more than any other local woodpecker species. Originally a bird of the Southeast, the red-bellied woodpecker has become fairly common in our region over the past few decades. This rapid northward expansion is likely a function of a warming climate, maturing Northeast forests and an increase in backyard feeders.

The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is our largest woodpecker. In fact, it’s the largest woodpecker throughout nearly all of North America. At 18 inches in length, the Pileated approaches the size of a crow. Only the fabled and recently rediscovered Ivory-billed Woodpecker of southern swamplands is larger.

In addition to its size, the Pileated is further identified by a trademark red crest on the head, black and white stripes on its face and a large white stripe extending from the base of the bill down the neck. Males show a red mustache stripe. This magnificent bird’s presence can also be identified by the deep rectangular excavations it makes in trees and logs in search of carpenter ants and beetle larvae. Pileateds will routinely pry off long slivers of wood to expose ants. It then uses its long, sticky tongue to poke into holes and drag out the ants.

There are still two local woodpeckers I’ve yet to introduce. And as you might recall from last month’s column, I mentioned that two species don’t even have the term woodpecker in their names. If you guessed the Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, you certainly know your birds! These two species are also unique because they’re both migratory. Almost all of Sullivan County’s flickers and sapsuckers move south for the winter, although a few individuals do typically stick around.

The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker and is sometimes referred to as the “Yellow-shafted” Flicker due to the yellow undersurface of the wings. In the west, where the bird is known as the “Red-shafted” Flicker, the yellow shafts are replaced with a salmon color. The two color variations are considered subspecies of the northern flicker. In addition to its yellow shafts, our flicker can also be identified by its white rump patch which is visible in flight.

The flicker’s feeding behavior is another characteristic that allows it stand out from other woodpeckers. Although it can climb up tree trunks and hammer on wood, the flicker spends much of its time on the ground in search of its favorite food – ants. It uses its long barbed tongue to lap up these insects.

Finally, let’s not forget the last member of our area woodpeckers - the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius). This smallish woodpecker is roughly between the downy and hair woodpecker in overall size. A word of warning, though – don’t try to identify this bird by its so-called “yellow belly”. The faint yellowish wash across its belly and top of chest is conspicuous only at close distances.

Its amusing name leads many people to believe that this bird is nothing more than a fictitious character out of a cartoon. But its humorous title actually describes its appearance and habits. Sapsuckers drill shallow holes (sap wells) in the bark of trees and then feed on the sap that flows into them. Insects that are attracted to the flowing sap will also be consumed. A sapsucker’s presence can be detected by the manner in which the holes are drilled. Look for regularly spaced rows or columns – as though they had been made by a typewriter!

As Sullivan County residents, we’re fortunate to live in an area where a variety of woodpeckers can be found near our homes. So keep a sharp eye out and try to distinguish one species from another. Once you recognize their differences and unique characteristics, you’ll quickly realize that not all woodpeckers are created equal - nor are they all just “Red-headed Woodpeckers”.

(Entire article with illustrations can be found in the November & December 2006 issues of Sullivan County Farm & Garden News)