Woodpecker (General) song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Woodpecker (General), especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Woodpeckers do not typically have complex songs like passerines. Their primary 'song' is often a distinctive drumming sound, produced by rapidly striking their beak against a resonant surface (e.g., dead branch, hollow tree). The rhythm and duration of drumming are species-specific and serve for territorial advertisement and mate attraction.

Calls

Calls are varied and include sharp 'kik' or 'chip' notes, harsh 'churr' calls, and loud, piercing 'klee-klee-klee' calls (e.g., Green Woodpecker). Alarm calls are typically sharp and repetitive.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season (spring and early summer) when drumming and calling are used for territorial defense and courtship. Calls can be heard year-round.

Explore the Woodpecker (General)