Types Of Woodpeckers In Iowa – 7 Species To Watch For

There are 7 species of woodpeckers that can be found in various habitats in Iowa. It might surprise some people that this list includes Sapsuckers and Flickers, but they are also part of the woodpecker family.

I find myself blessed in that I can look out in my backyard and often see most of these species. Six of them are year-round residents here with one being migratory (I’ll often see Sapsuckers in the spring).

Here’s the full list of woodpeckers found in Iowa, from the smallest to the largest plus the aforementioned Flicker and Sapsucker.

1. Downy Woodpecker
2. Hairy Woodpecker
3. Red-Headed Woodpecker
4. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
5. Piliated Woodpecker
6. Northern Flicker
7. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker *

*Usually seen during periods of migration.

All of these woodpeckers are great to have around. Of course, we feed them suet, but they also eat quite a few insects, including ants and beetles.

I’ve included more details about each bird below. To help identify them, a size range, distinctive features, and colors are noted.

Downey Woodpecker

Length: 5.5-6.7 inches
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 inches

The diminutive Downey Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in Iowa.

Hairy Woodpecker

Length: 7.1-10.2 inches
Weight: 1.4-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.1 inches

Hairy Woodpeckers are slightly larger than the Downey, and since their coloration is pretty similar, the two species may be hard to tell apart. I’ll discuss an easy way to know what bird you’re watching in just a moment.

Red-Headed Woodpecker

Length: 7.5-9.1 inches
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 16.5 inches

The stunningly beautiful Red-Headed Woodpecker is pretty easy to identify due to its bright red head and distinctive black and white body.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Length: 9.4 inches
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0 -16.5 inches

Since the Red-Bellied Woodpecker also had a patch of red on the back of its head, some people confuse it with the slightly smaller Red-Head. But this woodpecker’s body coloration is quite a bit different, with its name coming from a sometimes faint rufous patch on its belly.

Piliated Woodpecker

Length: 15.8-19.3 inches
Weight: 8.8-12.3 oz
Wingspan: 26.0-29.5 inches

With a wingspan closing in on 30 inches, the Piliated is one big woodpecker!

Northern Flicker

Length: 11.0-12.2 inches
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 inches

The gorgeous Northern Flicker is found throughout Iowa. Another name for this bird would be the Yellow-Shafted Flicker. The name comes from the vibrant yellow underside of the wing and tail feathers.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Length: 7.1-8.7 in
Weight: 1.5-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-15.8 in

The Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker is the only woodpecker on this list that is not a year-round resident of Iowa. It can however be found passing through the state during the spring and fall migrations.