Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Iowa?
Yes, but uncommon — Pileated Woodpeckers occur in Iowa year-round in small numbers. Dryocopus pileatus · Picidae
Is the Pileated Woodpecker Found in Iowa?
Pileated Woodpeckers do occur in Iowa, 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 Missouri (about 250 miles away), Wisconsin (about 250 miles away) and Illinois (about 250 miles away).
Often mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers in Iowa: Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker — these occur regularly in Iowa, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Pileated Woodpecker.
Pileated Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Iowa, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Pileated Woodpecker in Iowa
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Pileated Woodpecker in Iowa
Other birds in Iowa
Birds you might also encounter in Iowa.
Pileated Woodpecker in other states
Pileated Woodpecker in Iowa: Quick Facts
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is an uncommon bird in Iowa. 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 Des Moines and throughout Iowa, 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 Iowa using the related birds section.