Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis) is in the Woodpeckers family (Picidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,724 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): NT.

When to photograph Red-cockaded Woodpecker: observations by month (U.S.)

About Red-cockaded Woodpecker

The red-cockaded woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis) is a woodpecker endemic to the southeastern United States. It is a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Woodpeckers)

Downy WoodpeckerDryobates pubescens

Red-bellied WoodpeckerMelanerpes carolinus

Northern FlickerColaptes auratus

Pileated WoodpeckerDryocopus pileatus

Acorn WoodpeckerMelanerpes formicivorus

Yellow-bellied SapsuckerSphyrapicus varius

Hairy WoodpeckerLeuconotopicus villosus

Red-headed WoodpeckerMelanerpes erythrocephalus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ