South · Atlantic Flyway
Are There Red-headed Woodpeckers in Virginia?
Yes, but uncommon — Red-headed Woodpeckers occur in Virginia year-round in small numbers. Melanerpes erythrocephalus · Picidae
Is the Red-headed Woodpecker Found in Virginia?
Red-headed Woodpeckers do occur in Virginia, 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 West Virginia (about 70 miles away), North Carolina (about 170 miles away) and Maryland (about 170 miles away).
Often mistaken for Red-headed Woodpeckers in Virginia: Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker and Pileated Woodpecker — these occur regularly in Virginia, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Red-headed Woodpecker.
Red-headed Woodpecker is a North American backyard bird.
In Virginia, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.
Monthly Activity — Red-headed Woodpecker in Virginia
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Red-headed Woodpecker in Virginia
Other birds in Virginia
Birds you might also encounter in Virginia.
Red-headed Woodpecker in other states
Red-headed Woodpecker in Virginia: Quick Facts
The Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is an uncommon bird in Virginia. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.
For birders in Virginia Beach and throughout Virginia, 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 Virginia using the related birds section.