* Cooper's hawk: This larger hawk is also a common predator of red-headed woodpeckers. Cooper's hawks typically hunt by soaring over open areas and looking for prey. When they see a red-headed woodpecker, they will dive down and capture it with their sharp talons.
* Great horned owl: This large owl is a nocturnal predator that often hunts red-headed woodpeckers. Great horned owls typically hunt by perching in a tree and waiting for prey to come within range. When they see a red-headed woodpecker, they will swoop down and capture it with their sharp talons.
* Northern flicker: This woodpecker species is known to prey on the eggs and nestlings of red-headed woodpeckers. Northern flickers will often compete with red-headed woodpeckers for nesting sites, and they will sometimes kill red-headed woodpecker nestlings in order to secure a nesting site for themselves.
* Eastern screech-owl: This small owl is also known to prey on the eggs and nestlings of red-headed woodpeckers. Eastern screech-owls will often nest in the same trees as red-headed woodpeckers, and they will sometimes take advantage of the woodpecker's absence to raid their nests.
* Raccoons: Raccoons are known to raid red-headed woodpecker nests and eat the eggs and nestlings. Raccoons are also known to kill adult red-headed woodpeckers.
* Snakes: Snakes, such as black rat snakes and copperheads, are known to prey on red-headed woodpeckers. Snakes will often climb trees in search of red-headed woodpecker nests, and they will sometimes eat the eggs or nestlings.
* House cats: House cats are known to kill red-headed woodpeckers. House cats typically hunt by stalking their prey and then pouncing on it. Red-headed woodpeckers are often vulnerable to attack by house cats because they are not very good at flying.