The red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a medium-sized woodpecker native to eastern North America. They are found from southern Canada south through the eastern United States west to Texas and the Great Plains. Red-bellied woodpeckers are best known for the bold red patch on their belly, which gives them their name. Though they superficially resemble the downy woodpecker, red-bellied woodpeckers are somewhat larger with a heavier bill and have a distinctive barred back pattern.
Red-bellied woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands, particularly those dominated by oak, hickory, and pine. They are also commonly found in residential areas with large trees. Though naturally cavity nesters, they readily use nest boxes put up by homeowners. Red-bellied woodpeckers eat insects, spiders, seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries. They often cache food in tree crevices and visit feeders for suet, peanuts, and seeds.
Are Red-Bellied Woodpeckers Protected?
Red-bellied woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This act makes it illegal to harm, harass, or kill red-bellied woodpeckers, their nests, or their eggs except under special permit. As migratory birds, red-bellied woodpeckers are considered shared resources between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. Hunting, capturing, selling, or possessing red-bellied woodpeckers or their parts (feathers, nests, eggs, etc.) is prohibited without a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Some key facts about the legal protections for red-bellied woodpeckers:
- Protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act since 1918.
- It is illegal to harm, harass, or kill red-bellied woodpeckers without a permit.
- Nests and eggs are also protected from being destroyed or removed.
- Hunting, capturing, selling, or owning red-bellied woodpeckers is prohibited.
- Violations can result in fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment.
- Exceptions may be made with special permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act was created to protect migratory birds that traverse international borders and are valuable for insect control, seed dispersal, and pollination. As native North American woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers are covered under this act year-round, not just during their migratory periods. Their protection status makes it illegal to remove active nests or take, possess, transport, sell, or purchase red-bellied woodpeckers, their eggs, parts, or nests without proper permits.
Reasons for Protection
There are several reasons why red-bellied woodpeckers warrant legal protection in the United States:
Population Declines
Though still common, data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey indicates red-bellied woodpecker populations declined by over 1% per year between 1966 and 2015. Habitat loss and competition with nonnative species have contributed to reductions in parts of their range. Their protected status helps conserve populations.
Habitat Loss
Red-bellied woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands and mature forests, which face threats from urbanization and land clearing. Protection helps mitigate habitat loss and fragmentation.
Insect Control
Red-bellied woodpeckers consume insects like beetle larvae, ants, termites, and others that can damage trees. Their protected status ensures they remain to provide natural pest control.
Seed Dispersal
Red-bellied woodpeckers disperse the seeds of native trees and plants through their foraging and food caching behaviors. Protection allows them to continue this ecologically important role.
Cavity Nesting Sites
The cavities excavated by red-bellied woodpeckers provide crucial nesting sites for other secondary cavity nesters like chickadees, titmice, bluebirds, and owls. Their protection enables this cavity nest web to persist.
Illegal Trade
Migratory birds face threats from poaching and illegal trade. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act helps curb these activities so populations are not depleted by excessive collection of birds, eggs, or feathers.
Shared Resource
As migratory birds that move across international borders, red-bellied woodpeckers are considered shared resources between nations. Their protection encourages collaborative conservation efforts.
Exceptions and Permits
There are some exceptions where permits may be granted to handle or collect red-bellied woodpeckers despite their protected status:
Scientific Collecting
Scientific research permits are available but regulated. These allow scientists to temporarily trap, handle, band, or collect samples from red-bellied woodpeckers for research aimed at conserving the species.
Falconry
With a special permit, red-bellied woodpeckers can be captured for legal falconry activities but must be released into the wild after use. The number allowed for capture is restricted.
Exhibition
Zoos, aviaries, and other facilities may be granted permits to keep red-bellied woodpeckers in captivity for public educational purposes.
Depredation
In cases where red-bellied woodpeckers are causing excessive property damage, permits may allow for control or removal of problem birds. However, non-lethal remedies are encouraged first.
Import/Export
Those wishing to import or export red-bellied woodpecker specimens across international borders for legitimate purposes must first acquire an approved permit.
Despite these exceptions, wanton destruction or collection of red-bellied woodpeckers and their parts is still prohibited. One must have a permit specifically authorizing the action and comply with any regulations or restrictions dictated by the permit. Penalties still apply for violating permit conditions.
Population and Conservation Status
The red-bellied woodpecker has an extensive range across eastern North America and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Some key facts about their population and conservation status include:
- Global population estimated at 10 million individuals.
- Considered common to very common through most of range.
- Populations declined by 1.18% per year from 1966-2015 per breeding bird survey.
- Still meets criteria for Least Concern status though some local declines noted.
- Loss of mature forests and nesting cavities an ongoing concern.
- Climate change may also pose future risks to habitat and food sources.
- Programs like NestWatch engage the public in monitoring nests.
- Protection of remaining sanctuaries and woodlands is a key conservation need.
Though red-bellied woodpecker numbers remain relatively strong, their mild declines and dependency on mature forests highlight the importance of continued protection and habitat management. Their protected legal status adds a layer of defense against avoidable losses and over-exploitation of populations. While still reasonably secure as a species, targeted conservation efforts for the red-bellied woodpecker may grow more important if declines accelerate due to habitat loss, competition, climate change, or other stressors.
Reporting Violations
It is critical that protections for red-bellied woodpeckers and other migratory birds are respected and enforced. Members of the public play an important role by being aware of the regulations and reporting suspected violations, such as:
- Killing, capturing, or harassing red-bellied woodpeckers.
- Damaging or destroying active nests and eggs.
- Selling or possessing red-bellied woodpecker parts like feathers without permits.
- Import/export or transport of birds, eggs, or parts without permits.
There are a few ways to report potential violations:
- Contact your state Fish and Wildlife agency law enforcement division.
- Call or write your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office.
- Submit tips anonymously to the special agent in charge of your state.
- File reports through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement tip line.
When making reports, provide as much evidence as possible, such as photos/videos, descriptions of activities, location, dates, and names. Though some permits allow exceptions, it is still illegal to destroy nests, eggs, or capture wild red-bellied woodpeckers without proper approved documentation. Public reports assist law enforcement in catching violations that could otherwise go undetected.
Conclusion
The red-bellied woodpecker is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, harass, or kill them without a permit. This federal law was enacted to conserve shared migratory bird resources between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. Red-bellied woodpeckers warrant protection due to factors like habitat loss, ecological roles in seed dispersal and pest control, and population declines. Their protected status helps maintain populations, discourages exploitative trade, and promotes collaborative conservation efforts between nations. Though permits allow some exceptions for regulated scientific research, exhibition, or control of problem birds, wanton destruction of red-bellied woodpeckers remains prohibited by law. Public reports of suspected violations assist law enforcement in enforcing protections for the benefit of the species and ecosystems.