Woodpeckers in Maryland

Maryland’s dense forests and abundant greenery have turned it into a state where woodpeckers thrive. The diverse species of these rhythmically drumming birds living here boast unique adaptations and immense ecological significance.

There are seven species of woodpeckers that you can typically see in Maryland. They range in size from the large pileated woodpecker to the small downy woodpecker. At 17.5 inches, the pileated is almost the size of a crow, while the downy is similar in size to the house sparrow at 6.1 inches.

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Maryland

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Maryland
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red cap on the head	Common throughout the state
Downy Woodpecker	Small size, black wings with white spots	Common in woodlands and parks
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	Woodlands, open areas, and suburbs
Red-cockaded Woodpecker	Small with a black cap and white cheek patches	Rare, found in the southern pine forests

Due to habitat loss, the red-cockaded woodpecker is listed as a threatened species in Maryland. These birds need large forest tracts with mature trees for survival. Unfortunately, the forests have suffered fragmentation and undergone developmental work, leading to the birds losing their homes. The last accepted sight record in Maryland was of a pair photographed at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, way back in May 1974.