The suburban backyards, forests, and woodlands of South Carolina are brought to life by the rhythmic drumming sounds of its nine woodpecker species. Their plumage is an attractive combination of black, white, and red. Most commonly found in the backyard feeders are the downy and red-bellied woodpeckers. In contrast, birders can see the others on the list below, mostly in the forests and parks. Coastal South Carolina is the best place to look for these interesting birds.
Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in South Carolina
Name
Identifying Features
Where They Are Found in South Carolina
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red patch on the back of the head, black and white barred plumage
Woodlands, forests, and suburban areas
Downy Woodpecker
Small size, black and white plumage, red spot on the back of the head
Throughout the state
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
Hairy Woodpecker
Larger than Downy, similar plumage
Wooded areas, forests, and suburban neighborhoods
Red-headed Woodpecker
Entirely red head and neck
Sparse populations in open woodlands and along rivers
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellow belly and white stripes on wings
Forested areas, orchards, and wooded suburban neighborhoods
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Black cap and nape, white cheeks, barred back and wings
Pine forests, particularly in the coastal plain
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
Large size, ivory-white bill
Historically found in old-growth forests, possibly extinct
The red-headed woodpecker population is declining, and they are becoming rarer in some places in the state. In the past 35 years, around 70% of their population has disappeared from SC. Going one step further, the red-cockaded is an endangered species living here. Earlier, they were abundant in the southern part of the state, but now only around 8,700 active clusters remain in the country. The yellow-bellied sapsucker leaves South Carolina in the winter and migrates north for breeding. In contrast, the northern flicker’s population increases in the same season when they migrate from the north to the state for breeding.
