Woodpeckers in Ohio: Top 7 Woodpeckers in the Buckeye State

Ohio, the Buckeye State, is covered in nearly eight million acres of diverse forest land areas, which is about 30% of the state’s total area. It stands to reason, then, that the Buckeye State has a diverse range of habitats that appeal to many bird species, particularly woodpeckers. Of the 23 woodpecker species native to North America, seven are almost certain to be found in Ohio, including the largest and smallest woodpecker species. Several of these woodpecker species are year-round residents, and they’re more common around suburban areas in the winter due to food scarcity, making Ohio an ideal winter destination for bird watchers. In this article, we’ll have an in-depth breakdown of the unique characteristics and features of the woodpeckers in Ohio. Think of this as a guide to help you identify the seven woodpecker species and where to spot them, so be sure to stick around! 7 Common Species of Woodpeckers in Ohio The Buckeye State is home to seven woodpecker species, four of which are permanent residents. We’ve arranged this list in the order of most commonly seen to least frequently seen. 1. Downy Woodpecker Scientific name:Dryobates pubescens Length:5.5 to 6.7 inches Weight:0.7 to 1 ounce Wingspan:9.8 to 11.8 inches Lifespan:2 to 4 years (wild); 11 years (oldest recorded) TheDowny Woodpeckeris Ohio’s, as well as North America’s, smallest and most populous woodpecker. It can be seen all year long throughout Ohio. Due to their small size, Downy Woodpeckers nest in holes dug in dead tree cavities. They inhabit deciduous trees in open woodlands, orchards, brushy woodland edges, parks, fields, and suburban backyards. They can also be seen among tall weeds. Top Tip:These tiny woodpeckers have black and white plumage, with a mostly black back and a large white swath in the center. The wings are a checkered

Ohio, the Buckeye State, is covered in nearly eight million acres of diverse forest land areas, which is about 30% of the state’s total area.