Woodpeckers in Iowa

Iowa, a favorite destination for birdwatchers, is home to around eleven woodpecker species. Some of them, like the red-headed woodpecker and yellow-bellied sapsucker, are migratory, traveling from Iowa and heading south for the winter, while others reside in the state year-round.

The largest woodpecker in Iowa is the pileated woodpecker, measuring 17.5 inches in length. In contrast, the black-and-white downy woodpecker is the smallest at 6.1 inches.

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Iowa

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Iowa
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red cap on the head	Common in woodlands and parks
Downy Woodpecker	Small size, black wings with white spots	Common throughout the state
Hairy Woodpecker	Similar to Downy but larger	Common in wooded areas
Northern Flicker	Brownish body with black markings	Open areas, fields, and yards
Pileated Woodpecker	Large, striking red crest and black body	Forested regions and woodlands
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Yellow belly and red throat	Wooded areas with sap-rich trees
Red-headed Woodpecker	Bright red head and black wings	Open woodlands and prairies
Red-breasted Sapsucker	Red throat, white bars on wings	Rare, primarily in wooded areas
Black-backed Woodpecker	Black back and white undersides	Rare and mainly in northern forests
Lewis’s Woodpecker	Pinkish-red belly, dark face, and gray collar	Rare and found in western regions
Acorn Woodpecker	Bold black and white markings, clown-like face	Rare, in southwestern Iowa