South · Central Flyway
Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Texas?
Yes, but uncommon — Pileated Woodpeckers occur in Texas year-round in small numbers. Dryocopus pileatus · Picidae
Is the Pileated Woodpecker Found in Texas?
Pileated Woodpeckers do occur in Texas, 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 Oklahoma (about 290 miles away), Louisiana (about 380 miles away) and Arkansas (about 420 miles away).
Often mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers in Texas: Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker — these occur regularly in Texas, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Pileated Woodpecker.
Pileated Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Texas, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Pileated Woodpecker in Texas
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Pileated Woodpecker in Texas
Other birds in Texas
Birds you might also encounter in Texas.
Pileated Woodpecker in other states
Pileated Woodpecker in Texas: Quick Facts
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is an uncommon bird in Texas. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Houston and throughout Texas, 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 Texas using the related birds section.