East Tennessee’s diverse forests harbor more woodpecker species than most birders realize. While you might spot the occasional red flash at your suet feeder, you’re likely missing several remarkable species that call this region home year-round.
From the acrobatic downy woodpecker performing aerial stunts on thin branches to the massive pileated woodpecker creating rectangular excavations in mature hardwoods, these types of woodpeckers in East Tennessee offer endless opportunities for backyard discovery.
This guide reveals the eight distinct woodpecker species thriving across East Tennessee’s mountains, valleys, and suburban areas…