Woodpeckers in Maine

While the populations of many species have declined, that of woodpeckers has increased steadily in the state. In November 2022, their numbers almost doubled from the previous year. The smallest and most common woodpecker calling the state home is the downy woodpecker, measuring 6.1 inches. On the other hand, the largest is the pileated woodpecker, measuring a whopping 17.5 inches!

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Maine

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Maine
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 and a black-and-white zebra pattern on the back	Woodlands, suburbs, and parks
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
Black-backed Woodpecker	Black back and white undersides	Rare, mainly in northern forests
American Three-toed Woodpecker	Three-toed feet and black back	Rare and mainly in northern forests

The first recorded sighting of the colorful and vibrant red-bellied woodpecker was in 1958. Then, the species mostly remained confined to the south of northern New England, But over the last twenty years, they have been moving northward. Their increasing numbers are leading to their range expansion in Maine. Over the past decade, they have been migrating to the state in large numbers for the summer breeding season.