Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Red-headed Woodpeckers in Michigan?
Yes, but uncommon — Red-headed Woodpeckers occur in Michigan year-round in small numbers. Melanerpes erythrocephalus · Picidae
Is the Red-headed Woodpecker Found in Michigan?
Red-headed Woodpeckers do occur in Michigan, but they are considered uncommon. Encountering one requires patience and the right habitat.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Red-headed Woodpeckers occur regularly are Wisconsin (about 180 miles away), Indiana (about 280 miles away) and Ohio (about 300 miles away).
Often mistaken for Red-headed Woodpeckers in Michigan: Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and Pileated Woodpecker — these occur regularly in Michigan, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Red-headed Woodpecker.
Red-headed Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Michigan, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Red-headed Woodpecker in Michigan
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Red-headed Woodpecker in Michigan
Other birds in Michigan
Birds you might also encounter in Michigan.
Red-headed Woodpecker in other states
Red-headed Woodpecker in Michigan: Quick Facts
The Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is an uncommon bird in Michigan. 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 Detroit and throughout Michigan, knowing the seasonal patterns of Red-headed 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 Michigan using the related birds section.