Summary

  • Natural history: Red-headed Woodpeckers were once so numerous and damaging to fruit and corn crops that farmers shot them by the dozens, including one report of 100 birds killed from a single cherry tree, and their populations later boomed whenever tree diseases such as chestnut blight and Dutch elm disease left dead snags for them to nest in. That boom-and-bust relationship with dying trees may resurface, as some researchers see the spread of emerald ash borer across the region’s ash trees as a possible future source of nesting habitat. Despite the bird’s near disappearance as a Vermont breeder today, climate models project more suitable habitat for the species across the northeastern United States in a warming future.
  • Status in VT: Decreased by 100% (9 to 0 blocks). Greatest decrease in blocks in Champlain Valley.
  • Data from other research: No additional data for VT.
  • Conservation status: State rank S1B; SSC
  • Other atlases: NY: -75%; PA: -46%; ON: -64%
  • VT’s role in North American range: VT is at the northeastern edge of the range.
  • Causes of change since first Atlas: Snag removal, encroachment of forest into open areas (?).
  • Management/Monitoring recommendations:No current recommendations.

First Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (1976-1981)

Species Account

Second Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (2003 – 2007)

Species Account

Red-headed Woodpecker Map 1Red-headed Woodpecker Table 1Red-headed Woodpecker Table 2

Change in Distribution

mapkeyRed-headed Woodpecker Map 2Red-headed Woodpecker Table 3

Links

Vermont eBird

Encyclopedia of Life

All About Birds