Northeast · Atlantic Flyway
Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Rhode Island?
Yes, but uncommon — Pileated Woodpeckers occur in Rhode Island year-round in small numbers. Dryocopus pileatus · Picidae
Is the Pileated Woodpecker Found in Rhode Island?
Pileated Woodpeckers do occur in Rhode Island, 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 Massachusetts (about 50 miles away), Connecticut (about 80 miles away) and New Hampshire (about 160 miles away).
Often mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers in Rhode Island: Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker — these occur regularly in Rhode Island, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Pileated Woodpecker.
Pileated Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Rhode Island, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Pileated Woodpecker in Rhode Island
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Pileated Woodpecker in Rhode Island
Other birds in Rhode Island
Birds you might also encounter in Rhode Island.
Pileated Woodpecker in other states
Pileated Woodpecker in Rhode Island: Quick Facts
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is an uncommon bird in Rhode Island. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Northeast region and the Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Providence and throughout Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island using the related birds section.