The white-headed woodpecker is a non-migratory woodpecker that resides in pine forests of the mountains of western North America.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, and California into parts of the Great Basin and northern Baja California. It is strongly associated with open, mature coniferous forests, especially pine-dominated stands. Birds use both live trees and snags for foraging and nesting, and they frequently exploit post-fire habitats. Local distribution follows the availability of large-cone pines and suitable nesting snags.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking woodpecker is nearly all black with a snowy white head, making it unmistakable in its range. It is closely tied to mature pine forests and often feeds by prying seeds from large cones, especially ponderosa and Jeffrey pines. Pairs maintain year-round territories and rely on standing dead trees (snags) for nesting. Post-fire forests with abundant snags can be particularly important for the species.
A pair of white-headed woodpeckers playing around a tree near Lake Tahoe
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating, flap-and-glide flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that hold year-round territories. Both sexes excavate nest cavities in dead pines or snags and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. They are generally non-migratory, remaining within their forest territories across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, metallic peek or pik notes, often given in series. Drumming is a steady, evenly spaced roll used for territory advertisement and pair communication, rather than a melodious song.
