Species Profile
White-headed Woodpecker
Picoides albolarvatus
White-headed Woodpecker
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: White-headed Carpenter
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Appearance
The White-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird with a glossy black body and distinctive white head. The wings display large white patches visible in flight. They have deep reddish-brown eyes, a short, sharp black bill, and gray feet and legs.
Males have a small red patch on the back of the head, which females lack. Males also tend to be slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller plumage and may show some brown tones on the body.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Female Markings
Lacks red patch on back of head
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
White-headed Woodpeckers are found in the mountainous regions of western North America, from British Columbia to California and east to Idaho and western Nevada. They inhabit coniferous forests, showing a strong preference for pine-dominated ecosystems.
These woodpeckers are year-round residents throughout their range, with no significant seasonal movements. In the United States, they are most commonly observed in the Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada, and other pine forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Distribution
Diet
White-headed Woodpeckers primarily feed on pine seeds, particularly those of ponderosa pines, Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, and Coulter pine. Acrobatic maneuvers may be required as they grip the cone and prise into the crevices to extract the seeds.
They also consume insects, especially wood-boring beetle larvae, which they extract from tree bark. Ants and termites are also commonly taken. In winter, they may visit bird feeders for suet or sunflower seeds.
Behaviour
White-headed Woodpeckers are generally quiet and less active than other woodpeckers. They forage methodically, often remaining on a single tree for extended periods.
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, and they maintain year-round territories in their preferred coniferous habitats.
Calls & Sounds
White-headed Woodpeckers have a relatively quiet call compared to other woodpeckers. Their most common vocalization is a soft, high-pitched 'pee-pee' or 'pee-dink'.
During the breeding season, they produce a rapid series of 'pik' notes. Their drumming is a short, accelerating roll lasting about a second, much slower than most woodpecker species. This drumming is used between pairs as a form of communication while they are incubating.
Nesting & Breeding
White-headed Woodpeckers form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late April to early May. Males attract females with drumming displays and calls. They excavate nest cavities in dead trees or snags, typically at heights of 1.5 to 9 meters. This process can take up to 4 weeks. Artificial structures, including crevices in buildings and utility poles, may also be used.
Females lay 3-5 white eggs in the unlined cavity, which may become speckled with dirt and grime as incubation progresses. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 14 days. The eggs are oval and measure approximately 24 x 18 mm.
Nestlings remain in the cavity for about 26 days before fledging. Both parents continue to feed and care for the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, White-headed Woodpeckers face threats from habitat loss due to logging and forest management practices.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature pine forests and maintaining snags for nesting sites. Climate change may also impact their habitat in the future.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in mature pine forests, especially those with large ponderosa pines
- Listen for their soft tapping sounds, which are quieter than many other woodpeckers
- Scan tree trunks and large branches for their distinctive black and white pattern
- Be patient, as they can be less conspicuous than other woodpecker species
Did You Know?
- White-headed Woodpeckers are one of the few North American woodpeckers that rely heavily on pine seeds for food.
- They have a unique adaptation that allows them to store pine seeds in their expandable esophagus.
- Unlike many woodpeckers, they rarely drum on trees for communication, preferring vocal calls instead.
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