Woodpeckers in Connecticut

Though one of the smallest states, Connecticut hosts an amazingly diverse range of wildlife, particularly birds. Among the avians, the colorful woodpeckers easily catch attention with their loud drumming sound. Seven native and one accidental woodpecker species live here.

The most common in the state is also the smallest – the downy woodpecker measuring a meager 6.1 inches! The pileated woodpecker is the biggest, measuring a whopping 17.5 inches. Some of these birds are migratory, like the yellow-bellied sapsucker and red-headed woodpecker. They leave the state and head south to spend their winter.

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Connecticut

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Connecticut
Downy Woodpecker	Small, white belly and white spots	Wooded habitats, gardens, and backyard feeders
Hairy Woodpecker	Larger than Downy, with a longer bill	Woodlands, forests, and suburban areas with trees
Northern Flicker	Brown with black spots, red crescent on the nape	Open areas, fields, and wood edges with suitable foraging
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red cap on the head and pale belly with faint streaks	Wooded areas, parks, and suburban neighborhoods
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Black and white with a yellowish belly	Deciduous and coniferous forests, especially during migration
Pileated Woodpecker	Large size, black with white stripes, and red crest	Mature forests, especially in larger wooded areas
Black-backed Woodpecker	Black back and white belly	Coniferous forests in the northern parts, but sightings are rare
Red-headed Woodpecker	Distinctive red head and white belly	Woodlands, forests, and open country areas

The red-headed woodpecker is endangered in the state due to habitat loss caused by the removal of dead and decaying trees from wood lots for developmental work – sites these birds need to nest and raise their young. This is why they are considered one of the rarest breeding birds of Connecticut.