Overview of Woodpeckers. A fascinating and varied group of birds, woodpeckers are distinguished by their unusual adaptations, remarkable habits, and eye-catching looks. Woodpeckers are members of the Picidae family and may be found in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, among other continents. With more than 230 species found worldwide, they exhibit a striking diversity in terms of size, color, and behavior, yet they all have characteristics in common that enable them to adapt to their particular settings.