Woodpeckers in Kansas

Kansas offers a beautiful combination of vast, open spaces, forests, and woodlands, making it an abode for woodpeckers. The central location of the state and its mild climate are added advantages.

The state is home to twelve species of woodpeckers, which can be found across Kansas, from the extensive plains to the heart of cities like Topeka and Wichita. The most common species in Kansas is the downy woodpecker. In contrast, the American three-toed woodpecker and Williamson’s sapsucker are considered accidental species and are, therefore, difficult to find.

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Kansas

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Kansas
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
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red cap on the head	Woodlands, suburbs, and parks
Pileated Woodpecker	Large, striking red crest and black body	Forested regions and woodlands
Ladder-backed Woodpecker	Black ladder-like pattern on the back	Arid regions and canyons
Red-headed Woodpecker	Bright red head and black wings	Woodlands, open areas, and suburbs
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Yellow belly and red throat	Wooded areas with sap-rich trees
Red-naped Sapsucker	Red nape and throat patch, white bars on wings	In forests with trees
Lewis’s Woodpecker	Pinkish-red belly, dark face, and gray collar	Rare, found in western regions
American Three-toed Woodpecker	Three-toed feet and black back	Found in coniferous forests
Williamson’s Sapsucker	White wing patches, red throat and crown	Rare, in western parts of the state