Woodpeckers in Ohio

Eight species of woodpeckers are native to Ohio. The largest among them is the pileated woodpecker, boasting an impressive length of 17.5 inches, making it not only the largest in Ohio but also across North America. On the opposite end of the size spectrum is the downy woodpecker, measuring a modest 6.1 inches. Despite its small stature, it is the most common species found in the region. While most woodpeckers are permanent residents, the yellow-bellied sapsucker is only spotted during the spring and fall migrations. Additionally, during winter, the population of red-headed woodpeckers tends to decrease in the northeast but increases in southern Ohio, thanks to the abundance of nuts and acorns in the region.

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Ohio

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Ohio
Downy Woodpecker	Small size, black and white plumage, red spot on head	Throughout the state, in wooded areas, suburbs, and parks, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the northeast
Hairy Woodpecker	Larger than Downy, but similar plumage	Throughout the state, in wooded areas, suburbs, and parks, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the northeast
Northern Flicker	Brown plumage with black spots, white rump	Across Ohio, in woodlands, open areas, and suburban neighborhoods. Often spotted in the Maumee Bay State Park in the northwestern part
Pileated Woodpecker	Large size, striking red crest, black and white plumage	Mostly in large forested areas, particularly in the south and southeast, like Hocking Hills State Park and Shawnee State Forest. Occasional in the northeast
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red patch on back of head, black and white barred plumage. The female has a red patch above the bill and a red nape	Throughout the state in woodlands, parks, and residential areas. Common in cities like Cleveland and Toledo. Also in Shawnee State Forest in the south
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Yellow belly and white stripes on wings	Primarily in wooded areas, including forests, parks, like Mohican State Park in central Ohio, and suburban areas.
Red-headed Woodpecker	Entirely red head and neck. Males and females are not sexually dimorphic, unlike the others on the list	In various habitats like open woodlands, savannas, and orchards. Notably in Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area in the northeast and Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in the northwest
Black-backed Woodpecker	Black back with white spots, white underside	Rare, primarily in coniferous forests in the northeast, particularly in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest
Red-naped Sapsucker	Red patch on nape, white face, and throat	Rare, sporadic sightings in the northeastern parts
Red-cockaded Woodpecker	Black cap and nape, white cheek patches	Accidental, native to southeastern pine forests of the US. No confirmed sighting in the state.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker	Possibly extinct or extremely rare. Large size, black and white plumage, ivory-colored bill	Historically inhabited forested areas of the southeastern United States

Ohio’s longleaf pine forests are home to endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, facing dwindling habitats. Another rarity, the red-naped sapsucker, was last spotted near Mt. Hope, Holmes, in 2005. All the species are protected under federal and state laws governing Ohio’s woodpeckers. It is illegal to harm them without a special permit issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These regulations are crucial for the preservation of these unique birds.