Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Dryobates borealis

Rare Chattering rattle

Learn to identify the Red-cockaded Woodpecker by ear. Master the "sklit-sklit-sklit-sklit!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“sklit-sklit-sklit-sklit!”

What the Red-cockaded Woodpecker sounds like

This crisp little woodpecker is all black, white, and attitude, with a bold white cheek patch that flashes on pine trunks. The male’s tiny red "cockade" is usually hidden, so don’t expect an easy look. Watch for it creeping up mature pines in open, sunny forest.

“sklit-sklit-sklit-sklit!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A quick, squeaky burst of notes that carries surprisingly well through open pines. It sounds sharp, busy, and a little toy-like. Often written as “sklit-sklit-sklit-sklit!”.

Don't confuse with:The Downy Woodpecker — has a bright white stripe down the center of the back.

Where you'll hear it

A year-round resident of the southeastern United States, from parts of Virginia and the Carolinas south through Florida and west to eastern Texas. It is now patchy and local, tied closely to protected tracts of mature pine forest.

Open pine savannas, pine flatwoods, and old pine woodlands are its sweet spot. It needs living, mature pines—often longleaf pine—with an open understory and room to forage on bark and branches.

This species does not migrate, so you can find it in the same pine stands all year. Spring is the busiest season, when family groups call more, defend cavity trees, and hustle food to chicks.

Similar species

Downy Woodpecker

Has a bright white stripe down the center of the back.

Hairy Woodpecker

Noticeably larger, with a longer, heavier bill.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Shows a bold white wing stripe and often a yellowish wash below.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker sound FAQ

What does a Red-cockaded Woodpecker sound like?

A quick, squeaky burst of notes that carries surprisingly well through open pines. It sounds sharp, busy, and a little toy-like. Listen for the "sklit-sklit-sklit-sklit!" phrase.

How do I tell a Red-cockaded Woodpecker from a Downy Woodpecker by sound?

Downy Woodpecker: Has a bright white stripe down the center of the back.; Usually found in mixed woods, parks, and yards rather than open pine savannas.; Outer tail feathers often show black spots, unlike Red-cockaded Woodpecker..

When is the best time to hear a Red-cockaded Woodpecker?

This species does not migrate, so you can find it in the same pine stands all year. Spring is the busiest season, when family groups call more, defend cavity trees, and hustle food to chicks.