Woodpeckers in Oregon

The ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest are brought to life by the rhythmic drumming of various woodpeckers inhabiting Oregon. Certain regions of the state have remarkable woodpecker diversity. For instance, the Portland metro region has the northern flicker, red-breasted sapsucker, downy, hairy, pileated, and acorn woodpeckers. Of them, the northern flicker is the most common. The acorn woodpecker is also fairly common in southern Oregon – in the Rogue Valley and adjacent areas, Klamath River Canyon, and the southern portion of the Willamette Valley. Central Oregon boasts of the beautiful white-headed woodpecker apart from the northern flicker, downy, and pileated.

Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in Oregon

Name	Identifying Features	Where They Are Found in Oregon
Downy Woodpecker	Small size, black and white plumage, red spot on the back of the head	Throughout the state
Hairy Woodpecker	Larger than Downy, similar plumage	Wooded areas, forests, and suburban neighborhoods
Northern Flicker	Brown plumage with black spots, white rump	Open areas, woodlands, and urban parks
Pileated Woodpecker	Large size, striking red crest, black and white plumage	Forested areas and wooded parks throughout the state
Red-breasted Sapsucker	Red throat and breast, black and white barred plumage	Forested areas, particularly in western parts of the state
White-headed Woodpecker	White head and neck, black back with white spots	Coniferous forests in the Cascade Range and eastern Oregon
Lewis’s Woodpecker	Dark greenish-black plumage, pink belly	Open woodlands, burned areas, and river valleys
Red-naped Sapsucker	Red patch on nape, white face and throat	Wooded areas and forests, particularly in the eastern region
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Yellow belly and white stripes on wings	Forested areas, orchards, and wooded suburban neighborhoods
American Three-toed Woodpecker	Black and white plumage, three-toed feet	Found in remote coniferous forests
Black-backed Woodpecker	Black back with white spots, white underside	Dense coniferous forests in the northern parts of the state
Acorn Woodpecker	Black and white plumage, distinctive red cap and throat	Oak woodlands and forests in limited parts of the state
Williamson’s Sapsucker	Black and white plumage, red throat and breast	Coniferous forests and wooded areas, primarily in the west
Nuttall’s Woodpecker	Black and white barred back, ladder-like pattern	Oak woodlands, riparian areas, and mixed forests
Red-headed Woodpecker	Entirely red head and neck	Sparse populations in open woodlands and along rivers
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red patch on the back of the head, black and white barred plumage	Woodlands, forests, and suburban areas

While the others are regular residents, the last three on the above list are rarely seen in Oregon. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects all woodpeckers from any possible harm by humans.
Around eleven nesting woodpecker species can be seen at The Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival, an annual birdwatching event centered in Sisters. Hosted by the East Cascades Audubon Society, it focuses on field tours and provides a platform for meeting fellow birders.