In New Hampshire, there are several species of woodpeckers that can be found. The three most common species are the downy, hairy, and pileated woodpeckers.
The downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is a small woodpecker that is commonly found in New Hampshire. They are easily identifiable by their black and white plumage, with a white underside and black wings that are marked with white spots. The male downy woodpecker has a small red patch on the back of its head, while the female does not have this patch. They are often seen in backyards, parks, and wooded areas, where they feed on insects, seeds, and berries.
The hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is a larger species of woodpecker that is also found in New Hampshire. They are similar in appearance to the downy woodpecker, but are larger in size. The hairy woodpecker has a longer bill and a larger head compared to the downy woodpecker. They have black and white plumage, with a white underside and black wings. Like the downy woodpecker, they feed on insects, seeds, and berries, and can be seen in wooded areas across the state.
The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is the largest woodpecker species in New Hampshire. They are easily recognizable by their large size and vibrant plumage. The pileated woodpecker has a black body with a bright red crest on its head. They have a powerful bill, which they use to excavate large holes in trees in search of ants and other insects. Pileated woodpeckers are primarily found in forests and wooded areas, as they prefer more secluded habitats.
Besides these three common species, the northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) is also present in New Hampshire. Although they are not as common as the downy, hairy, and pileated woodpeckers, they can still be spotted in the state. Northern flickers are a bit larger than downy and hairy woodpeckers and have a distinctive appearance. They have a brown body with black bars on their back and a white underside. The male flickers have a black mustache mark on their face, while the females do not. They are known for their distinctive “flickering” flight pattern, and can be seen in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and even urban areas.
The three most common woodpecker species in New Hampshire are the downy, hairy, and pileated woodpeckers. These species can be found in different habitats, with the downy and hairy woodpeckers being more commonly seen in backyards and wooded areas, while the pileated woodpecker prefers more secluded forested habitats. The northern flicker is also present in the state, although it is less common than the other three species. Each of these woodpecker species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors, making them fascinating birds to observe in the wild.