Michigan is a great place to live, especially if you love woodpeckers. The types of woodpeckers in Michigan are plentiful and varied, ranging from the red-bellied woodpecker to the northern flicker.
If you too are interested in these majestic and fascinating birds, you’re going to love this list of the nine fascinating types of woodpeckers in Michigan!
1. Black-Backed Woodpecker
This striking woodpecker is found in the northern parts of Michigan. The black-backed woodpeckers are easily recognizable by their jet black back and white stripes down their head and neck. Their beauty is hard to describe unless you see them in person.
These birds like to live in coniferous forests and are often seen hammering away at tree trunks in search of insects. They are also known to eat wild berries, fruit, and seeds.
2. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is one of the most common types of woodpeckers in Michigan. They are easily identifiable by their reddish-brown coloring and white belly.
These birds live in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, gardens, and even residential areas. They mainly eat insects, but also enjoy berries among other fruits as well.
3. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker is one of the most widespread types of woodpeckers in Michigan. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and residential areas.
These birds are easily recognizable by their brown body with black stripes and a red mustache. Their size is also distinctive, as they are one of the largest woodpeckers in Michigan. They mainly eat insects, but also enjoy small reptiles, amphibians, and fruit.
4. American Three-Toed Woodpecker
The American three-toed woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that can be found in the northern parts of Michigan. It is easily recognizable by its black body, white stripes, red crest, and of course, its three toes. Some of its other distinctive features include a red mustache, black chin, and yellow eyes.
These birds are found in coniferous forests with old dead trees for their nests. They like to eat insects, spiders, and small rodents but will eat almost anything as long as it has some meat.
5. Downy Woodpecker
Downy woodpeckers are very common types of woodpeckers in Michigan. They can be found almost everywhere, including forests, residential areas, and parks. So while you’re in Michigan, you’re sure to spot these birds when walking around town.
These birds have a greenish-brown body with white spots along with big wings. Their red crest makes them hard to miss when they fly through the air or when they are pecking away at trees. List most other woodpeckers, they like to eat insects but also enjoy fruits from time to time.
6. Hairy Woodpecker
The hairy woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that can be found in the northern parts of Michigan. It is easily recognizable by its black body, white stripes, and red crest.
These birds live in coniferous forests with old dead trees for their nests. They like to eat insects, spiders, and small rodents but will eat almost anything as long as it has some meat.
If you visit any of the northern parts of Michigan, your chances of spotting these birds are quite high.
7. Lewis’s Woodpecker
Lewis’s woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker that can be found in the southwestern parts of Michigan. It is easily identifiable by its green body, black stripes, and red mustache.
Typically, these birds live in open habitats such as prairies, fields, and agricultural land. However, they are quite rare. In fact, they are among the rarest woodpeckers in Michigan.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful woodpeckers while traveling through Michigan, consider yourself very fortunate!
8. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpeckers are one of the largest birds in Michigan. They can be found in the southeastern parts of the state as well as in some areas near the Great Lakes. These birds are easily identifiable by their black body, red crest, and white stripes. They also have a very distinctive facial pattern that makes it easy to identify them from other types of woodpeckers.
Pileated woodpeckers live in forests with large trees for their nests. They mainly eat insects, but will also eat fruits and nuts on occasion.
9. Downy Woodpecker
Downy woodpeckers are very common in Michigan. They can be found almost everywhere, including forests, residential areas, and parks. So while you’re in Michigan, you’re sure to spot at least one downy woodpecker when you’re taking a stroll outdoors.
Downy woodpeckers have a greenish-brown body with white spots along with big wings. Their red crest makes them hard to miss when they fly through the air or when they are pecking away at trees. Like most other types of woodpeckers, they like to eat insects but also enjoy some veggies from time to time.
Which Bird Do You Want to See the Most?
Of the nine fascinating woodpeckers that we just discussed, which one would you like to see the most? Share your favorite by dropping a comment below. We must say that no matter which one your favorite is, you should take a trip to Michigan as soon as possible because you’re guaranteed to spot some majestic creatures in the Wolverine state!
