Woody
- mrymntcpw
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
Those of us of a certain age remember a cartoon character named “Woody Woodpecker”, but who among us knows which order of (Picidae) he was modeled after? During the month of August, 2025, we stayed at our cottage on Hubbard Lake, MI. It is one of eight properties that make up an “Association” named Tall Oaks and sits in a grove of red oak trees that is home to several order of woodpeckers. In a short period of time, I have observed: Downy Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and Pileated Woodpecker.
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
Tiny woodpecker, common and widespread across much of North America. Black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to the larger Hairy Woodpecker. Focus on the bill: Downy has a very short bill, much shorter than the length of the head. Also note the small black markings on the white outer tail feathers. Pacific population has smaller white spots on the wing and a grayer body than Eastern birds. Occurs in any wooded habitat, though western birds are more restricted to riparian areas. Often forages on smaller branches than Hairy Woodpecker. Familiar visitor to backyard feeders, especially fond of suet. Calls include a soft “pik!” and descending rattle, weaker than Hairy Woodpecker.
Red-headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Incredibly striking bird: adults have brilliant crimson head, black back, large white wing patches, and white belly. These large patches of solid color are unlike other woodpeckers with more intricate patterns. Immatures have brownish heads. Found in open forests with clear understories, including pine plantations and standing timber in beaver swamps. Often social, found in family groups. Regularly seen caching nuts in the fall, perched on snags, and sallying out to catch insects. Occasionally visits feeders. Nests in cavities.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus various
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are fairly small woodpeckers with stout, straight bills. The long wings extend about halfway to the tip of the stiff, pointed tail at rest. Often, sapsuckers hold their crown feathers up to form a peak at the back of the head.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Large, brownish woodpecker with black barring on the back and black spots on the belly. Easily recognized in flight by its bright white rump. Also note large black crescent-shaped mark on breast. Wings and tail flash yellow or red, depending on the subspecies. Generally "Yellow-shafted" is found in eastern and northern North America, and "Red-shafted" is found in western North America as far south as Oaxaca. Typically singly or in pairs, but can gather in large loose groups during migration and winter. Often seen feeding on the ground in open areas, foraging for ants and worms. Vocal and conspicuous: listen for loud “kleer!” call and series of laughing notes.
remnants of an oak tree at Tall Oaks
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
In the afternoon of August 19, 2025, Rett captured a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers outside of Connie’s Cafe in Ossineke, MI, take a peek at Ossineke.
Large, unmistakable woodpecker. Mostly black, with red crest and bold white stripes on head and neck. Flies with deep, rowing wingbeats, almost like a crow but more irregular; also look for mostly white underwings and white patches on upperwing. Pairs inhabit mature deciduous or coniferous forests with large trees. Makes large oval-shaped holes in decaying trees to search for insects. Listen for slow resonant drumming and loud clucking calls. Occasionally visits feeders in appropriate habitat, especially fond of suet.
In conclusion, I don't know which order of (Picidae) Woody was named after, but I certainly have enjoyed the squawks and hammering during my stay here at Tall Oaks.
CPW