Woodpeckers (Picidae)
White-headed Woodpecker
Dryobates albolarvatus. Pine seeds pried from cones, plus bark insects.
Woodpeckers (Picidae)White-headed WoodpeckerDryobates albolarvatus
- Scientific name
- Dryobates albolarvatus
- Length
- 7.3–9.1 in
- Weight
- 1.9–2.3 oz
- Nest
- Cavity in a pine snag or stump
- Entrance hole
- 1 1/2 in
- Clutch
- 3–7 eggs
- Incubation
- 14 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- All-white head on a black body
- White wing patch in flight
- Male has a red nape spot
Voice
A sharp 'pee-dink' and a rattling call.
Diet and feeding
Pine seeds pried from cones, plus bark insects.
What do white-headed woodpeckers eat? · Best feeder for white-headed woodpeckers
White-headed Woodpeckers by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | May–July |
| California | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Washington | Year-round resident | April–July |
Frequently asked
What do white-headed woodpeckers eat?
Pine seeds pried from cones, plus bark insects. At feeders: suet, black-oil sunflower.
How big is a White-headed Woodpecker?
7.3–9.1 in long and 1.9–2.3 oz.
Do white-headed woodpeckers use birdhouses?
Yes — a 1 1/2 in entrance, 6 × 6 in floor, mounted 10–20 ft.
Sources
- White-headed Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-headed Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-headed Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.