Woodpeckers in Massachusetts

All the woodpeckers in Massachusetts, except the three rare species (Lewis’s, black-backed, and American three-toed), nest in the state. Their mating season extends from April to June. Depending on the species, 3-10 eggs are laid in the nest cavities lined with wood chips.

The black-and-white downy holds the title of the smallest woodpecker in the state (6.1 inches), while the pileated is the largest (17.5 inches).

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Massachusetts

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Massachusetts
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
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 primarily found in northern forests
Lewis’s Woodpecker	Pinkish-red belly and gray collar	Rare and occasional sightings in the state

The red-headed woodpecker is uncommon and breeds erratically in the state. Though its breeding is quite infrequent, it presents an exciting opportunity for birdwatchers. On the other hand, through the three decades spanning the early 1970s to 2000s, red-bellied woodpeckers have undergone a steep increase in population. They seem to have flooded the low-lying areas of Massachusetts. The first breeding bird atlas (1974-1979) recorded only three areas with breeding pairs. By the time of the second atlas (2007-2012), breeding pairs were found throughout the state, recording a whopping 16,000% increase in the last 30 years!