The top 10 most beautiful woodpeckers in the world

Woodpeckers are a species of woodpeckers in the order Woodpeckers, and are powerful assistants to afforestation and forestry units in various countries. They are known for hunting pests that harm trees, such as beetles and termites. Therefore, woodpeckers are also nicknamed "tree doctors". However, sometimes woodpeckers can over-peck wood, causing tree damage, malnutrition, and eventual wilt.

There are more than 200 species of woodpeckers around the world, and they exhibit diverse characteristics and behavioral habits in different regions. When it comes to the most beautiful species of woodpeckers, the beholder has a different opinion. Some people consider the Rainbow Woodpecker to be the most charming of the woodpeckers because of the gorgeous, colorful markings on their feathers that sparkle in the sunlight. At the same time, some people regard Venus Woodpecker as the "fashionista" in the woodpecker world. Its unique appearance and posture attract the attention of many viewers.

No matter what species of woodpecker they are, their beauty and wonder fill people with curiosity and respect for this species.

Woodpeckers play an important role in natural ecosystems, protecting the health of trees and displaying their diverse appearance and habits. Today we bring you 10 of the most beautiful woodpeckers in the world, including: Brown-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flapping Grebe, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue-throated Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Great Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, etc. Which one do you like best? Which one?

1. Brown-bellied Woodpecker (rich colors)

The Brown-bellied Woodpecker is one of the more common species among the top ten most beautiful woodpecker species, with brilliant feather colors. Its head and neck are dark red, its back has black and white horizontal stripes, its 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 stripes and chin are white, while most of the lower body is light ocher, and only the lower tail coverts are pink. The small coverts on the wings are black, most of the rest of the wings are black and dotted with white spots, and the inner third flight feathers have white horizontal stripes. In contrast, the top of the female bird's head is more complex, showing a pattern of alternating black and white.

2. Northern flapping grebe (clear color/stocky body)

The Northern Flapping Grebe is often considered one of the most charming woodpeckers in North America, with its striking appearance and unique characteristics. They have a solid and compact body, a rounded small head, and a long tapering tail, paired with a strong, downward-curved bill. The eyes are white around and first, the face is covered with downy feathers, the cheeks are pink, and the neck and upper chest show bright white, black, yellow or red patches. There are black or white spots on the chin and throat, and males may display black or red markings that resemble whiskers. In general, their feathers come in a variety of colors and markings, giving them an attractive appearance.

3. Great Spotted Woodpecker (the color combination is just right)

The Great Spotted Woodpecker, as one of the ten major woodpecker species, is a small to medium-sized bird and is the leader in appearance. Its body color is well matched and looks very "high-end". The male bird has a unique narrow red patch on the back of its head, as if wearing a delicate "little red hat" on the back of its head, while the female bird does not have this feature, while the young bird's "little red hat" is located on the top of its head. When the Great Spotted Woodpecker spreads its wings and flies, its wings open and close. From a distance, it looks like big waves moving forward one after another. This graceful curve is also one of their unique identifying features.

Most of the Great Spotted Woodpecker's abdomen is pure white, with a certain proportion of pinkish-pink. In particular, the feathers on the lower abdomen and tail are eye-catching bright red.

4. Blue-throated Woodpecker (colorful bird)

The Blue-throated Woodpecker is recognized as one of the most beautiful woodpecker species. It is covered in bright green feathers and is often hidden among the tree crowns. Only careful observation is needed to discover its brilliant colors. Their faces are unique, with a vermilion forehead that gradually changes to golden yellow at the back, and a blue or black horizontal band on the top of the head; the head and neck are vermilion, and the front of the head and the base of the lower mouth are also shining with vermilion; There are a few vermilion spots on both sides of the throat, and there is a black vertical stripe on both sides of the red part of the head; the eyebrow lines, sides of the face, chin and throat are bright copper-blue. The back is grass green, the back and shoulders are stained with olive yellow, the wings are dark brown, but the surface of the wings is also grass green, the tail feathers are dark grass green, the chest, abdomen and other lower parts are light yellow green, slightly tinged with copper blue. Because of its colorful feathers, some people call it a "colorful bird."

5. White-backed Woodpecker (Little Red Riding Hood)

When it comes to the most fascinating species of woodpeckers, I’m secretly particularly fond of the white-backed woodpecker. The characteristic of this species is that the lower back is white, both male and female, the buttocks are red, the forehead is brown and white, the head to the occipital part is bright vermilion; around the eye sockets, cheeks and ear feathers are brown and white. The upper part of the eyes is black, gradually transitioning to white back; there is a black texture on the cheeks, extending to the side of the neck. The back of the neck to the upper back is black, the lower back and waist are white, the upper coverts of the 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 end spots; the small coverts on the wings are black, the flight feathers are black, and there are white horizontal stripes and white end spots on the inner and outer sides.

6. Great Woodpecker (bright and colorful)

The Great Woodpecker is also recognized as one of the most beautiful woodpeckers. Its head, neck and throat are dark blue or purple-blue, the upper chest is dark brown, and the lower chest and abdomen are light yellow, with broad Green or blue-green vertical stripes; the lower tail coverts are red. The back and shoulders are dark green-brown, and the rest of the upper body is grass green. The head and neck are blue or blue-green, and the feather bases are dark brown or black. Dark greenish-brown or mixed with dark red can be seen on the upper back and shoulders. The lower back, waist, upper tail coverts and tail feathers are bright green grass color. These woodpeckers often perch at the tops of tall trees and can move from side to side while standing on branches like a parrot.

7. Downy Woodpecker (small and cute with distinct colors)

The downy woodpecker is the smallest species of woodpecker in North America. It mainly inhabits North America, including the United States, Canada, Greenland, Bermuda, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and the transition zone between North America and Central America in Mexico. Their body length is approximately 14 to 18 centimeters, and their wingspan is approximately 25 to 31 centimeters. The downy woodpecker is characterized by a white belly and black back, with a black neck and white spots on the wings. There are black and white stripes on the head and a short tail. The male Downy Woodpecker has red feathers on its head, adding to its visual brightness.

8. Red-bellied Woodpecker (eye-catching colors and beautiful stripes)

The male adult red-bellied woodpecker has red patches on its head and neck, its wings and body are covered with black and white striped feathers, and its abdomen shows a striking red feather. The male bird has a larger head, while the female bird is usually gray with a gray cap-like patch on the top of the head. The feathers on the wings are dominated by strong black and white tones, and the tail is white. The central tail feathers are mainly white with a few black stripes. The outer tail feathers are black and white, and the belly is covered with red patches, which are not always clearly visible. In flight, white stripes can be clearly seen on the primary flight feathers.

9. Great Golden-backed Woodpecker (Brightly colored and rich in body color)

The Great Golden-backed Woodpecker is one of the most striking species of woodpeckers, displaying brilliantly colorful plumage. The appearance of this woodpecker is very attractive. The male's head and crown feathers are bright red, the back of the neck is white, the back, shoulders and wings are golden, while the waist turns to dark red, and the upper tail coverts and tail are black. . The female's feathers are similar to those of the male except that the head and crest are black and dotted with white spots. During breeding, the male's plumage changes, with the head and crest becoming more vivid, a striking blood red, and the back becoming a golden orange, all of which are designed to attract females.

10. Red-headed Woodpecker (bright and colorful)

The red-headed woodpecker is a woodpecker that lives in North America, including the United States, Canada, Greenland, Bermuda, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and the transition zone between North and Central America in Mexico. This woodpecker is known for its attractive appearance, displaying three distinct colors: a black back and tail, a red head and neck, and a predominantly white lower body. The wings are black with a white spot on the second wing feather.

To non-expert birdwatchers, it is easy to confuse the red-headed woodpecker with the red-bellied woodpecker because the red-bellied woodpecker also exhibits some red on its head.

• Other high-looking woodpecker species:

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• White-browed Brown Woodpecker, Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Star-headed Woodpecker, Brown-tailed Flycatcher, Bamboo Woodpecker, Golden-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Green-spotted Flapping-winged Woodpecker, South American Chestnut Woodpecker, Himalayan Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-breasted Woodpecker Sapsucker, oak woodpecker, North American black woodpecker, golden woodpecker, Latin American woodpecker, prairie flutter, pale-billed woodpecker, golden-backed three-toed woodpecker, red-necked sapsucker, black-cheeked woodpecker, black woodpecker, Cuban green woodpecker, long-billed woodpecker, White-capped Woodpecker, Red-capped Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Spotted Woodpecker, Yellow-eared Woodpecker, Red-green Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Woodpecker, Flower-bellied Green Woodpecker, Blushed Woodpecker, Japanese Green Woodpecker, Creamy White Woodpecker, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Blue Eared Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, etc.

animal tags： Picidae woodpecker