Midwest · Central Flyway
Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Kansas?
Yes, but uncommon — Pileated Woodpeckers occur in Kansas year-round in small numbers. Dryocopus pileatus · Picidae
Is the Pileated Woodpecker Found in Kansas?
Pileated Woodpeckers do occur in Kansas, 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 Nebraska (about 220 miles away), Oklahoma (about 220 miles away) and Missouri (about 330 miles away).
Often mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers in Kansas: Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker — these occur regularly in Kansas, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Pileated Woodpecker.
Pileated Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Kansas, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Pileated Woodpecker in Kansas
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Pileated Woodpecker in Kansas
Other birds in Kansas
Birds you might also encounter in Kansas.
Pileated Woodpecker in other states
Pileated Woodpecker in Kansas: Quick Facts
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is an uncommon bird in Kansas. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Wichita and throughout Kansas, 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 Kansas using the related birds section.