South · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Red-headed Woodpeckers in Tennessee?
Yes, but uncommon — Red-headed Woodpeckers occur in Tennessee year-round in small numbers. Melanerpes erythrocephalus · Picidae
Is the Red-headed Woodpecker Found in Tennessee?
Red-headed Woodpeckers do occur in Tennessee, 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 Kentucky (about 170 miles away), Alabama (about 220 miles away) and Georgia (about 270 miles away).
Often mistaken for Red-headed Woodpeckers in Tennessee: Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and Pileated Woodpecker — these occur regularly in Tennessee, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Red-headed Woodpecker.
Red-headed Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Tennessee, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Red-headed Woodpecker in Tennessee
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Red-headed Woodpecker in Tennessee
Other birds in Tennessee
Birds you might also encounter in Tennessee.
Red-headed Woodpecker in other states
Red-headed Woodpecker in Tennessee: Quick Facts
The Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is an uncommon bird in Tennessee. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, 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 Tennessee using the related birds section.