: mid May-mid Jun, most recently Jun 15, 2022 on Great Duck Island, and again mid Sep-mid Nov with , usually associated with bird feeders, to early Jan. A very few individuals have overwintered, most recently 2018-2019 in Southwest Harbor. Almost all birds have been dark headed immatures (which on wintering birds can become red headed by spring) but a full adult in Northeast Harbor 10/25/2025 was . A very few breed in Massachusetts but they don't become regular, if still uncommon, until New York.
Miscellany: Migrant Red-headed Woodpecker's fall movements are thought to be diurnal, slow, and variable in both distance and direction as they search for areas with enough food, usually acorns or beechnuts, to carry them through . The spring movements are nocturnal and direct as they return to their familiar home range.
Last Updated: October 25th, 2025