These birds are another introduced species in Alberta and are rarely seen. Woodlands and forests are the best places to spot these birds. They are also generally smaller than the Red-headed, measuring 24 cm in length and 33-42 cm in wingspan. Males have a red cap like that of the Red-headed Woodpecker however, females lack the cap and only have red napes. They can be identified by their pale red underbelly and black and white markings over the back. The Red-bellied Woodpecker is rare to see in Alberta and is another introduced species. Open forests and riparian woodlands or grasslands are the most common habitats to find these birds in. Average in size, Lewis’s Woodpeckers measure 26-28 cm in length with a 49-52 cm wingspan. They are very distinct in appearance with a dark back, dark red face, pink underbelly, and a grey collar around their necks. If you’re hoping to spot one, recently burned forests are your best bet.Īkin to the Pileated, Lewis’s Woodpecker is an introduced species to Alberta but conversely, they migrate during the winter. Unlike the American Three-toed, only the male has a yellow head and are slightly larger measuring around 23 cm in length with a 40-42 cm wingspan. They are black with white stripes on their sides and a white belly. These birds reside in Alberta throughout the year but are most often seen in winter. They prefer to inhabit insect dense forests and, therefore, these are the most likely place to spot them.Įven more rare is the Black-backed Woodpecker. Though similar in appearance, they are smaller than the Black-backed Woodpecker measuring 21-23 cm in length with a 37-39 cm wingspan. Their distinct yellow foreheads contrast starkly against the rest of their black bodies and white underbellies their wings and sides also display white spots and barring. It is rare to see one of these birds, even though they reside in Alberta year-round. Deciduous forests are the most common location they can be found in. They are relatively small measuring 18-22 cm in length and 34-40 cm in wingspan.

These birds are mainly black and sport a red forehead males have an additional red throat. These are some of the least common woodpeckers in Alberta they are only present during summer months. Pileated Woodpeckers are found in mature forests but also frequently visit backyard feeders in suburban areas. These birds are the largest of the North American woodpecker species measuring 40-49 cm in length with a 66-75 cm wingspan. The males can be identified by an extra red stripe across the cheek. They can best be identified by their bright red head crests they also sport a largely black body with a white stripe and white under the wings. The Pileated Woodpecker is an introduced species to Alberta that resides here throughout the year. You can find Hairy Woodpeckers on large trees in woodland regions, as well as in parks and other suburban areas. They are of average size measuring 18-26 cm in length with a 33-41 cm wingspan. However, in overall appearance they are very similar to the Downy and can be difficult to differentiate. Like the Northern Flicker, the Hairy also has a splash of red towards the back of the head. They can be identified by their black and white covering and a large white back spot. The Hairy Woodpecker is most seen in the winter months, even though they remain in Alberta for the summer. They can be seen in open woods, parks, and suburbs, as well as forest edges. They are of large size reaching 28-31cm in length and 42-51cm in wingspan. Like the Downy, males also have a red head spot however, it is located closer to the nape. They can be identified by their brown feathers accented by black and white spotted plumage and a white rear spot. The Northern Flicker is another species of woodpecker that resides in Alberta year-round but is more commonly spotted in the summer months.

They are of average size measuring 14-17 cm long with a wingspan of 25-30 cm. The males are distinctive due to a red spot on the back of their heads. They sport a black and white pattern, most of which is black. In Alberta, the Downy Woodpecker is the most spotted woodpecker species, and it resides in the province year-round. However, it might surprise you that the tapping sound you hear isn’t always coming from the same type of woodpecker! In fact, there are 13 different species of woodpeckers known to be found in Alberta, all of which have unique attributes that can be used to identify them: How many times have you been enjoying nature and heard a rapid tapping in the distance? Many of you likely thought to yourself that it was a local woodpecker making all the racket.

Rehab acorn woodpecker