Woodpeckers are a species of woodpeckers of the order Ichniformes, and are the right-hand men of foresters and forestry units in various countries. They are known for hunting pests that harm trees, such as longhorn beetles and termites. For this reason, woodpeckers are also nicknamed "tree doctors". However, sometimes woodpeckers can over-peck, causing damage to the tree, malnutrition, and eventually, which can lead to wilting.
There are more than 200 species of woodpeckers worldwide, and they exhibit diverse traits and behaviours in different regions. When it comes to the most beautiful species of woodpeckers, the wise have their own opinions.
Rainbow woodpecker
Some people consider the Rainbow Woodpecker to be the most fascinating woodpecker because of the brilliant multicolored markings of their feathers that sparkle in the sun. At the same time, some people regard the Venus Woodpecker as the "fashionista" of the woodpecker world, and its unique appearance and posture attract the attention of many viewers.
Venus woodpecker
No matter what kind of woodpecker it is, their beauty and wonder make people curious and respectful of this species. Woodpeckers play an important role in natural ecosystems, protecting the health of trees and showcasing their diverse appearance and habits. Today we bring you the 10 most beautiful species of woodpeckers in the world, including: brown-bellied woodpecker, northern fluttering eagle, great spotted woodpecker, blue-throated woodpecker, white-backed woodpecker, large woodpecker, velvet woodpecker, etc., which one do you like the most?
1. Brown-bellied woodpecker (bright color)
The brown-bellied woodpecker is one of the more common species in the top 10 most beautiful woodpecker species, with a brilliant plumage color. The top of the head and neck are dark red, the back is black and white, the tail feathers are black from the center to the waist, and the outer pair of tail feathers are white with black horizontal stripes. The eye lines and chin are white, while the underparts are mostly pale ochre, with only the undertail feathers pink. The small overfeathers on the wings are black, most of the rest of the wings are black with white spots, and the inner tertiary flight feathers have white horizontal stripes. In contrast, the top of the female bird's head is more complex, showing a black and white pattern.
2. Northern fluttering eagle (bright color/stocky body)
Often considered one of the most fascinating woodpeckers in North America, the northern fluttering eagle is one of the most fascinating woodpeckers in the woodpecker encyclopedia, with its striking appearance and unique characteristics. They have a solid and compact body, a small rounded head, and a long tail that tapers with a strong, downward-curved beak. The eyes are white around and first, the face is covered with down feathers, the cheeks are pink, and the neck and upper chest show bright patches of white, black, yellow, or red. There are black or white spots on the chin and throat, while males may display black or red markings that resemble whiskers. Overall, their plumage is varied in color and with a rich variety of markings, presenting an attractive appearance characteristic.
3. Big spotted woodpecker (body color matching is just right)
The great spotted woodpecker, as one of the top ten woodpecker species, belongs to small and medium-sized birds, and is the leader in appearance. Its body color is elegant, and it looks very "high-end". The male has a narrow red patch on the back of the head, as if he was wearing a delicate "Little Red Riding Hood" on the back of his head, while the female does not have this feature, while the young "Little Red Riding Hood" is located on the top of the head. When the great spotted woodpecker spreads its wings and flies, its wings open and close, and from a distance, it looks like a big wave moving forward one after another, and this graceful curve is also one of their unique characteristics.
The abdomen of the great spotted woodpecker is mostly white with a certain proportion of pink pink, especially the feathers on the lower abdomen and the lower belly of the tail are striking bright red.
4. Blue-throated woodpecker (colorful bird)
The blue-throated woodpecker is considered one of the most beautiful species of woodpecker, with its brilliant green plumage, often hidden between the canopy of trees, and requires closer inspection to spot its brilliant colors. They have a unique face, with a vermilion forehead that fades back to golden yellow, a blue or black horizontal band on the top of the head, a vermilion head and neck, and a scarlet glow on the front of the head and the base of the lower mouth, a little vermilion spot on each side of the throat, a black longitudinal stripe on each side of the red part of the head, and a bright copper-blue eyebrow lines, the sides of the face, the jaw, and the throat. The back is grass green, the back and shoulders are stained olive yellow, the wings are black-brown, but the surface of the wings is also grass green, the tail feathers are dark grass green, and the lower parts of the chest and abdomen are pale yellow-green, with a slight copper-blue. Because of its colorful plumage, some people call it a "multicolored bird".
5. White-backed woodpecker (patterned Little Red Riding Hood)
When it comes to the most fascinating species of woodpecker, I privately favor the white-backed woodpecker. This breed is characterized by a white lower back, red rump on both male and female, brownish-white forehead, bright vermilion from the top of the head to the occipital area, and brownish-white around the orbits, cheeks and ear feathers. The upper part of the eyes is black and gradually transitions back to white, and the cheeks have black veins that extend to the side of the neck. The back of the neck is black to the upper back, the lower back and waist are white, the upper tail feathers are black, the central tail feathers are black, and the feather axis shines brightly. The outer tail feathers are white with black horizontal stripes. The shoulders are black with white terminal spots, the wings are small overfeathers are black, the flight feathers are black, and there are white horizontal stripes and white terminal spots on the inner and outer sides.
6. Large woodpecker (bright and colorful)
Also recognized as one of the most beautiful woodpeckers, the Great Woodpecker has a dark blue or purplish-blue head, neck, and throat, a dark brown upper chest, and a pale yellow lower chest and abdomen with broad green or blue-green longitudinal stripes, and a red tail feathers. The back and shoulders are dark greenish-brown, and the rest of the upper body is straw green. The head and neck are blue or blue-green, and the feathers are dark brown or black. Dark greenish-brown or dark red interspersed on the upper back and shoulders. The lower back, waist, tail overlay and tail feathers are bright green grass. These woodpeckers often perch on top of tall trees and can move from side to side standing on branches like parrots.
7. Velvet woodpecker (small and cute with distinct colors)
The velvet woodpecker is the smallest species of woodpecker in North America and is found mainly in North America, including the United States, Canada, Greenland, Bermuda, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and in Mexico there is a transition zone between North and Central America. They have a body length of about 14 to 18 centimeters and a wingspan of about 25 to 31 centimeters. The velvet woodpecker is characterized by a white belly and a black back with a black neck with white spots on its wings. The head has black and white stripes and a short tail. The male velvet woodpecker has red feathers on its head, which adds a visual sense of brightness.
8. Red-bellied woodpecker (eye-catching color, beautiful stripes)
The male of the adult red-bellied woodpecker has red patches on the head and neck, wings and body covered with black and white markinged feathers, and a striking red feather on the abdomen. Males have larger heads, while females are usually gray with a gray cap-like patch on the top of their heads. The feathers on the wings are dominated by a strong black and white tone, and the tail is white. The central tail feathers are predominantly white with a few black stripes. The outer tail feathers are black and white, and the abdomen is covered with red patches, but they are not always clearly visible. When flying, it is clearly visible that the primary flight feathers have white stripes.
9. Big golden-backed woodpecker (colorful and rich in body color)
The Great Golden-backed Woodpecker is one of the most striking species of woodpecker, displaying brilliant and colorful plumage. This woodpecker has an attractive appearance, with the male having a bright red color on the top of the head and crown feathers, a white back neck, a golden yellow on the back, shoulders, and wings, and a dark red waist with black tail overcoats and tail. The feathers of females are similar to those of males except that the top of their head and crown are black with white spots. During breeding, the male's feathers change, with the top and crown feathers becoming more vibrant, taking on a striking blood-red color and a golden-orange color on the back, all designed to attract females.
10. Red-headed woodpecker (bright color and bright color)
The red-headed woodpecker is a woodpecker that lives in North America, including the United States, Canada, Greenland, Bermuda, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and the transition zone between North and Central America in Mexico. This woodpecker is known for its attractive appearance, which displays three distinct colors on its body: a black back and tail, a red head and neck, and a predominantly white lower body. Both wings are black in color, and the second wing feathers have white spots.
For non-expert birdwatchers, it's easy to confuse a red-headed woodpecker with a red-bellied woodpecker, as the red-bellied woodpecker's head also takes on some red color.
- Other high-value woodpecker species:
- , Spotted Woodpecker, Little Star-headed Woodpecker, Brown-tailed Flycatcher, Bamboo Woodpecker, Golden-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Green-spotted Fluttering Eagle, South American Chestnut Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-breasted Juice Woodpecker, Oak Woodpecker, Amount Woodpecker, Latin American Woodpecker, Prairie Flapping, Light-billed Woodpecker, Golden-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, Red-necked Sap-sucking Woodpecker, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Long-billed Woodpecker, White-capped Woodpecker, Red-capped Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sap-sucking Woodpecker, Spotted woodpecker, yellow-eared woodpecker, red-green woodpecker, yellow-rumped woodpecker, flower-bellied green woodpecker, red-haloed woodpecker, Japanese green woodpecker, milky white woodpecker, Puerto Rican woodpecker, blue-eared woodpecker, gray-headed green woodpecker, yellow-fronted woodpecker, etc.
White-browed brown woodpecker
North American black woodpecker