West · Pacific Flyway
Are There Hairy Woodpeckers in California?
Yes, but uncommon — Hairy Woodpeckers occur in California year-round in small numbers. Leuconotopicus villosus · Picidae
Is the Hairy Woodpecker Found in California?
Hairy Woodpeckers do occur in California, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Hairy Woodpeckers occur regularly are Nevada (about 260 miles away), Utah (about 450 miles away) and Arizona (about 510 miles away).
Often mistaken for Hairy Woodpeckers in California: Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker and Acorn Woodpecker — these occur regularly in California, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Hairy Woodpecker.
Hairy Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In California, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Hairy Woodpecker in California
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Hairy Woodpecker in California
Other birds in California
Birds you might also encounter in California.
Hairy Woodpecker in other states
Hairy Woodpecker in California: Quick Facts
The Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) is an uncommon bird in California. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the West region and the Pacific Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Los Angeles and throughout California, knowing the seasonal patterns of Hairy Woodpecker can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.
Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in California using the related birds section.