Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Illinois?
Yes, but uncommon — Pileated Woodpeckers occur in Illinois year-round in small numbers. Dryocopus pileatus · Picidae
Is the Pileated Woodpecker Found in Illinois?
Pileated Woodpeckers do occur in Illinois, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Pileated Woodpeckers occur regularly are Indiana (about 160 miles away), Missouri (about 200 miles away) and Iowa (about 250 miles away).
Often mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers in Illinois: Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker — these occur regularly in Illinois, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Pileated Woodpecker.
Pileated Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Illinois, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Pileated Woodpecker in Illinois
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Pileated Woodpecker in Illinois
Other birds in Illinois
Birds you might also encounter in Illinois.
Pileated Woodpecker in other states
Pileated Woodpecker in Illinois: Quick Facts
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is an uncommon bird in Illinois. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Chicago and throughout Illinois, knowing the seasonal patterns of Pileated 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 Illinois using the related birds section.