Discovering the Five Largest Woodpeckers of North America

When you think of woodpeckers, you might picture a bird perched on a tree trunk, drumming away in search of food or creating a nesting cavity.

North America is home to many woodpecker species, but some truly stand out because of their impressive size and distinctive features.

Let's explore and identify the top five largest woodpeckers found on this continent, from towering giants to strikingly beautiful species.

1. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Known for its striking red crest and large size, the Pileated Woodpecker is the largest living woodpecker species in North America.

However, the Ivory-billed, was once known as the giant woodpecker of North America. Measuring 18-20 inches in length and boasting a wingspan of 29-31.5 inches.

Sadly, this impressive bird was driven to extinction due to habitat loss from logging and was officially declared extinct in September 2021.

pileated woodpecker at tree cavity nesting site large red crest showing

Pileated Woodpecker at Nest Cavity Red Crest Showing

The Pileated Woodpecker is a magnificent bird and easily beats all others in size in North America. Measuring between 16 and 19 inches in length, with a wingspan of 26 to 30 inches, it's a true colossus of the woodlands.

This species is widespread across forests in the United States and Canada, favoring mature woodlands with plenty of large trees.

With its black body, bold white stripes on the face and neck, and a striking red crest, the pileated woodpecker is hard to miss.

If you're lucky, you might hear its loud, echoing calls or catch a glimpse of it chiseling away at a tree in search of carpenter ants, its favorite meal.

2. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)

Unlike most woodpeckers, the Northern Flicker spends a significant amount of time foraging on the ground. At 11 to 14 inches in length and a wingspan of 16 to 21 inches, it's among the largest woodpeckers in North America.

Feeding on Suet

Northern Flickers are a common sight across the continent, from woodlands to urban areas.

Their brown plumage, adorned with black spots, a white rump patch, and either red or yellow wing flashes (depending on the subspecies), makes them a unique addition to this list.

These birds are not only sizable but also highly adaptable, thriving in diverse habitats.

In the East and North, it's the Yellow-shafted Flicker, which has a red patch on its neck and yellow feathers on the inside of its wings. The male has a black mustache.

In the West, lives the Red-shafted with its red underwings, undertail, and a red mustache. Ane In the deserts of S.E. California and southern Arizona, it is the Gilded Flicker you'll see.

The Gilded will have yellow wing linings and the males have a red mustache. Where the birds ranges overlap, different flickers sometimes interbreed, creating more varied characteristics.

3. Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis)

Lewis's woodpecker is a fascinating bird, not just for its size, 10 to 11 inches in length with a wingspan of about 19 inches, but also for its unique appearance.

Ornithologist Alexander Wilson named this bird after Lewis Meriwether of Lewis and Clark fame. Meriwether first observed and describe this woodpecker in 1805.

Lewis's Woodpecker a Large Western Woodpecker

Lewis's Woodpecker

Unlike the typical black-and-white patterns of most woodpeckers, this species sports greenish-black upperparts, a gray collar, and a pinkish belly.

Found in western North America, Lewis's woodpeckers prefer open woodlands, including areas with burned trees. They're known for their graceful, almost crow-like flight and their habit of catching insects in mid-air.

This woodpecker's distinct look and behavior make it a standout among its relatives.

4. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

Though slightly smaller than the flicker, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is still a substantial bird, measuring 9 to 10 inches in length.

Its name might be misleading, as the red on its belly is often faint or difficult to see. However, its black-and-white barred back and bright red crown and nape make it a striking species.

Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker on Pole More than twice the size of the hairy woodpecker

A Big Male Red-bellied Has Come to Visit the Yard

Red-bellied Woodpeckers are frequently found in woodlands, suburban areas, and parks across the eastern United States. Their loud calls and acrobatic movements as they navigate tree trunks make them a delight to observe.

You can easily draw these birds to your backyard by providing suet and peanuts in the shell.

5. Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a dazzling bird, easily identified by its completely red head and neck, black back, and large white wing patches visible in flight.

Measuring 9 to 10 inches in length with a wingspan of 16 to 17 inches, it's a medium-to-large woodpecker with a striking presence.

Red-Headed Woodpecker With Seed in Bill Perched at Top of Tree Branch

Red-headed Woodpecker

These birds are found in open woodlands, orchards, and savannas across eastern and central North America.

They're highly versatile, feeding on insects, nuts, and berries, and even caching food for later use. Their bold colors and energetic behavior make them a favorite among birdwatchers.

Due to the fact I live in northeastern Kansas, (not known for its forest) it took me several years to photograph this bird. Funny, after getting that first picture, I now see them often when out birding.

Why Size Matters in Woodpeckers

Big woodpecker species often have a significant impact on their ecosystems. Their powerful beaks allow them to excavate deep cavities in trees, which not only serve as their nests but also provide shelter for other birds and small mammals.

These birds are vital to maintaining healthy forest environments, and their presence is a sign of a thriving woodland.

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just beginning to appreciate these incredible birds, the woodpeckers of North America are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Keep an eye out for these towering beauties next time you're in the forest, their size and striking features are impossible to miss.

Attribution Lewis's Woodpecker Image https://www.naturespicsonline.com/, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons