Closer look at Minnesota's winter woodpeckers

From the red belly to black-backed, they run the gamut.

December 17, 2015 at 7:59PM
A male downy woodpecker goes for food.
A male downy woodpecker goes for food. (Robert Timmons — ASSOCIATED PRESS/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Red-bellied

A red-bellied woodpecker searched a tree above a hawk.
(Robert Timmons — AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Like the red-headed woodpecker, this one likes collecting acorns. Look for a slight red patch on their bellies, a red nape or nape and crown, and barred wings.

Pileated

A pileated woodpecker holds a berry.
(Robert Timmons — AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The largest one in this family, these woodpeckers sport a red-peaked head and a black body that can be more than a foot long.

Black-backed

A male black-backed woodpecker near its nest in a dead tree.
(Robert Timmons — AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

With black feathers and a streak of golden yellow on its head, this northern Minnesota woodpecker has barred feathers on its sides and three toes.

Downy

A male downy woodpecker goes for food.
(Robert Timmons — ASSOCIATED PRESS/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The tiniest in the family, this little woodpecker has a small bill and streak of red on its head.

Red-headed

A red-headed woodpecker.
(Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

With its dramatic red head, this once dwindling species is returning with the help of restored habitats.

Hairy

A male hairy woodpecker is seen in part of the burned remains of the Angora Fire near South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
(Robert Timmons — ASSOCIATED PRESS/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Slightly larger than a downy and sporting a longer bill, it's easy to mix up these two.

Three-toed

Three-toed woodpecker
(Robert Timmons/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A black-and-white barred back distinguishes this woodpecker from the similar black-backed woodpecker. Both favor burnt-out areas and infested pines.

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