Red-bellied woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers native to eastern North America. As their name suggests, they have reddish-pink bellies, but the coloring on their heads can vary. So do all red-bellied woodpeckers have red heads?
Quick Answer
No, not all red-bellied woodpeckers have red heads. The red on their heads can range from just a small patch of red on the back of their heads to a fully red head in adult males. Females and juveniles generally show less red on the head.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker Identification
Here are some key identification features of the red-bellied woodpecker:
- Medium-sized, about 9 inches in length
- Mainly black and white barred back
- Reddish-pink belly
- Red on the head ranging from just a nape patch to a full red head in adult males
- Black and white striped face
- White below the bill
Range of Red on Head
The amount of red on the head can vary in red-bellied woodpeckers based on age, sex, and individual variation:
Adult Males
Adult male red-bellied woodpeckers generally have the most extensive red heads, ranging from completely red heads to red extending just past the crown.
Adult Females
Adult females usually have less red on the head than males. Many have just a red nape patch on the back of the head. Some may have a partially red crown.
Juveniles
Juvenile birds of both sexes have little to no red on the head. They may just have a hint of red on the nape or crown.
Regional Variation
There can also be some regional differences in the extent of red on the head. Some populations may tend toward less extensive red than others.
Purpose of Red Crown
The red on the head of red-bellied woodpeckers likely serves several purposes:
- Visual signal of dominance and fitness to potential mates
- Badge of status signal to competitors
- May play a role in partner attraction
The greater amount of red in adult males shows their maturity and fitness as potential mating partners. It signals their status compared to females and younger males.
Conclusion
In summary, while red-bellied woodpeckers always have at least a touch of red on the back of the head, the extent of red can vary based on age, sex, and individual variation. Adult males tend to have the most extensive red crowns, while females and juveniles have less red. The vibrant red head of the red-bellied woodpecker plays an important role as a visual signal to potential mates and competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can you find on a red-bellied woodpecker?
The main colors on a red-bellied woodpecker are black, white, red, and grey. Their backs are black with white barring. Their bellies are reddish-pink. The head pattern consists of black and white stripes on the face, white below the bill, and red on the head ranging from a small patch to completely red.
How do you identify a red-bellied woodpecker?
To identify a red-bellied woodpecker look for:
- Medium size (about 9 inches)
- Black and white barred back
- Reddish belly
- Some amount of red on head, at least on nape
- Striped black and white face
- White just below the bill
Do males and females have different colorings?
Yes, adult male red-bellied woodpeckers tend to have more extensive red coloring on the head compared to females. Females usually just have a red nape patch, while males often have a completely red head.
What colors do juveniles have?
Juvenile red-bellied woodpeckers have little to no red on the head. Both young males and females will initially look similar with minimal red coloration.
Why do they have red heads?
The red heads likely evolved as a visual signal. The bright red indicates maturity, dominance, and fitness as a mating partner. It helps attract mates and signal status to competitors.
Comparison to Other Woodpeckers
The red-bellied woodpecker’s pattern is similar to other woodpeckers but it can be identified by its distinctive reddish belly:
| Species | Identifier |
|---|---|
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | Reddish belly |
| Red-headed Woodpecker | Entirely red head |
| Downy Woodpecker | Small size, no red |
| Hairy Woodpecker | Larger and has white stripe down back |
Habitat and Range
The red-bellied woodpecker inhabits a variety of wooded habitats across the eastern and southeastern United States:
- Forests
- Woodlots
- Parks
- Suburbs and backyards
They range from Florida to New England and as far west as Texas.
Figure 1 – Red-bellied woodpecker range map. By Peterjohn & Rice (1991) – Original map produced by John Sauer, The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Results and Analysis 1966 – 1989, Version 1.5, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Ctr,Laurel, MD., CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=376341
Behavior and Diet
Behavior
Red-bellied woodpeckers exhibit the following behaviors:
- Hop along tree trunks and branches searching for food
- Use their beaks to excavate holes in trees
- Drum on wood surfaces with their beaks to establish territory and attract mates
- Nest in tree cavities they excavate
- Roost in their nesting cavities at night
- Emit a rolling churr sound and whinny calls
Diet
The diet of the red-bellied woodpecker consists of:
- Insects
- Spiders
- Snails
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Sap
They use their long sticky tongues to capture insects but also eat a significant amount of plant material. They lap sap from holes they excavate in trees.
Breeding and Nesting
Breeding Season
The breeding season for red-bellied woodpeckers peaks in spring but can start as early as February and continue into June.
Courtship
Courtship behaviors include:
- Males drumming on wood surfaces
- Males and females preening each other
- Males feeding potential mates
The red crowns of the males are thought to play a role in attracting females.
Nest Sites
Red-bellied woodpeckers nest in cavities they excavate in dead trees or dead parts of living trees. Favored nest trees include:
- Oaks
- Maples
- Hickories
- Pines
- Poplars
- Birches
Cavities are typically 10 to 60 feet above ground.
Eggs and Young
Clutch size is typically 4 to 5 white eggs. The female incubates the eggs for about 12 days before they hatch. Both parents feed the nestlings for around 26 days until they fledge.
Conservation Status
Red-bellied woodpeckers have a large range and stable population. They are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Threats
Potential threats include:
- Habitat loss
- Competition for nest cavities with introduced species like European starlings
Population Trend
Populations are considered stable and may be increasing in some regions.
Fun Facts
- The tongue of a red-bellied woodpecker sticks out 2 inches past the beak, allowing it to capture insects deep in crevices.
- They use their long tongue to drink sap from sap wells they excavate in trees.
- They will wedge large nuts into crevices then hack away with their beak to crack them open.
- They can occasionally be attracted to suet feeders.
- TheIUCN lists them under their alternate name, the common red-bellied woodpecker.
Conclusion
The red-bellied woodpecker is aptly named for its reddish-pink belly, but the amount of red on its head can vary. While a red crown provides a visual signal of fitness, not all birds exhibit the full red head. Extent of red ranges from just a nape patch in females to a completely red head in mature males. These striking birds inhabit wooded areas across the eastern U.S., where birders can spot their barred black and white backs and flashy red bellies on tree trunks.
With unique features and behaviors like sap drinking and acorn wedging, the red-bellied woodpecker is a fascinating species for bird enthusiasts to observe. Though not globally threatened, it faces local habitat loss and competition from introduced species. This woodpecker remains a fairly common sight across its range, readily identified by its distinct plumage pattern.
