Seven regular species of woodpeckers call West Virginia their home. The similar looking downy and hairy are counted among the most common. The northern flicker is also fairly common, with its yellow-shafted subspecies inhabiting the state. The striking-looking pileated woodpecker, another common one, can be found throughout West Virginia but is more predominant in its northern and western parts.
The lone sapsucker of WV, the yellow-bellied, can be found throughout much of the state in the spring and summer. They head south for the winter. Some red-headed woodpeckers may also show the same behavior, while the rest may stay back for the winter if food sources are available. The other woodpeckers on the list are all year-round residents.
Different Types of Woodpeckers Found in West Virginia
Name
Identifying Features
Where They Are Found in West Virginia
Downy Woodpecker
Small size, white back with black spots
Throughout forests and woodlands statewide
Hairy Woodpecker
Larger size, all-black back, white underside
Wooded areas, forests, and parks
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red cap on head, black and white barred back
Commonly found in woodlands and suburban areas
Northern Flicker
Brown body with black bars, white rump
Open woodlands, edges, and suburban areas
Pileated Woodpecker
Large size, red crest, black body with white stripes
Large tracts of mature forests and woodlands
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Yellowish belly, black and white striped head
Woodlands with deciduous trees, particularly maples
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red head, black and white body
Open woodlands, savannas, and agricultural areas
Black-backed Woodpecker
Black back, white spots on wings
Coniferous forests, particularly during outbreaks of bark beetles
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
Large size, mostly black with white bill
Historically found in extensive mature forests, now considered extinct in WV
Despite the red-headed woodpecker having a wide range and presence in almost every state from the Rockies eastwards, it is not very common in West Virginia. Going one step further, the black-backed woodpecker is rare in the state.
