Most woodpeckers are non-migratory. In fact the Wryneck originating from Europe is the only known member of the woodpecker family which migrates in the classic sense of the word. Ranging across most of continental Europe this species heads south during the fall season and to Africa in the winter. Rarely, they have sometimes migrated to Spain as well. Formerly breeders of the UK, these magnificent birds have been known to periodically undergo strong movements related to food shortages or overpopulation. The United States is filled with many migrant woodpeckers such as the Red-headed & Lewis woodpeckers, the Northern Flicker, Williamson’s Woodpecker, Red-Breasted, Red Naped and Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, all of which vacate part of their breeding range and head south during the winter. This helps explain why Britain’s only vagrant woodpecker is not a European species despite their relative proximity to the UK.
Steve bray says
I have a woodpecker on my bird table eating suet balls since feb but have not seen him since may just wondered if they migrate
I saw your question while I was looking for the same answer! In our case though, (East Sussex) the male and female came back to the bird table / nut feeders throughout July, and have only now disappeared. The adults frequented our garden from when we first came here, in January of this year, and August is the first month we have been aware of their absence. Where they go and what they eat at this time remains a mystery to me; websites seem to differ in their opinions. We do miss them and their loud demands for the nut hangers to be refilled!
i m in south montgomery couty texas been feeding birds 25 ‘ from back door were in water shed river area red headed woodpeckers in front yard 3 came for nut every day ! august disappeared ?? had 4 bluejays at a time only 1 comein around now 50 doves at a time had 10 redbirds n off spring only couple + 3 r 4 females most left august ! sure miss those woodpeckers !? 8 /28/14
I haven’t seen my woodpeckers for the past month (June), i was getting a lot of sparrows so i only fed in early morning and evening, i hope i didn’t drive them away…i miss them and my chickadees are also gone, makes me sad…where did they go? I had them all winter and spring, but now i don’t see any of them.
I HAVE 2 WOOD PECKERS RIGHT NOW 1 IS A VERY LARGE BIRD WITH A BEAUTIFUL RED HEAD BOTH BRING ME MUCH ENJOYMENT .
September 8,2015
I have had the snowy woodpeckers feeding on the hummingbird feeders all summer here in central Connecticut. I think they are still around judging from the dwindling sugar water in the feeder. The hummers are migrating because I have hardly seen them in the last week or so. therefore they are feeding on said sugar water.
I’m in the west midlands and have a greater spotted woodpecker feeding off fat filled coconuts in December.
Suddenly a woodpecker decided to live at the top of the arch which is over our deck. It would come at dusk, go right to sleep and then be off at dawn. It was straight up and on stucco. I was fascinated that it stayed upright and did not fall off. I fell in love with it and felt very happy when it would arrive every night. It stayed for a week and yesterday it didn’t come home. I am so sad. I didn’t feed it and after reading some of the replies I discovered there is a nut feeder? Is it too late or should i get one and see if “Willie” comes back?
I am thrilled - “Willie, our woodpecker, just came home. Should I get a nut feeder?