Woodpeckers in Georgia

Winter through early spring is the best time to see woodpeckers in Georgia. Apart from the seven regular woodpecker species, the yellow-bellied sapsucker is a true migratory type that only appears during this time. The males and females of this species are easily distinguishable. The males have a red crown and throat, while females only have a red crown.

The other native species of these colorful and interesting birds are year-round residents. The red-cockaded woodpecker, for instance, is a small bird seen throughout the year in the southern part of the state. The medium-sized, strikingly colored red-headed woodpecker can also be seen year-round.

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Georgia

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are in Georgia
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red cap on the head and pale belly with faint streaks	Wooded areas, parks, and suburban neighborhoods
Downy Woodpecker	Small, white belly and white spots	Wooded habitats, gardens, and backyard feeders
Hairy Woodpecker	Bigger than Downy, with a longer bill	Woodlands, forests, and suburban areas with trees
Pileated Woodpecker	Large size, black with white stripes, and red crest	Mature forests, especially in larger wooded areas
Northern Flicker	Brown with black spots, red crescent on the nape	Open areas, fields, and wood edges with suitable foraging
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Black and white with a yellowish belly	Deciduous and coniferous forests, especially during migration
Red-headed Woodpecker	Distinctive red head and white belly	Woodlands, forests, and open country areas
Red-cockaded Woodpecker	Black cap and white cheek patches	Mature pine forests, particularly longleaf pine habitats
Ivory-billed Woodpecker	Very large woodpecker, black and white with a prominent white crest	Believed to be extinct or extremely rare if still extant

FAQs

Q. Are woodpeckers protected in Georgia?

Ans. Classified as migratory, nongame birds woodpeckers are protected in the state under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The ivory-billed and red-cockaded woodpeckers are endangered species that enjoy complete protection. In exceptional cases, the species not on the endangered list can be killed under a valid, justifiable, law-approved permit.