The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker found in the eastern United States. With their striking red belly and zebra-striped back, these birds stand out among other woodpeckers. But just how rare are they? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Red-bellied Woodpecker’s population, range, habitat, and conservation status to understand their rarity.
Range and Population
The Red-bellied Woodpecker has a wide range across the eastern half of the United States. Their breeding range stretches from southern Minnesota to New York, south to Texas and Florida. Their winter range is slightly more restricted, from southern Missouri to New Jersey, south to the Gulf Coast and Florida.
Within this range, the Red-bellied Woodpecker has a large total population estimated between 1.5 to 3.1 million individuals. Partners in Flight estimates there are 1.5 million Red-bellied Woodpeckers, while the North American Breeding Bird Survey estimates a much higher population size of 3.1 million birds. This makes the Red-bellied Woodpecker one of the most abundant and widespread woodpecker species in eastern North America.
Although still common, data from the Breeding Bird Survey shows that Red-bellied Woodpecker populations declined by around 30% between 1966 and 2015. This decline has leveled off in recent years, however, with more stable population trends since the 1990s.
Population Density
In terms of density, Red-bellied Woodpeckers reach some of their highest densities in the southeastern United States. For example:
| Location | Density |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | 2.7 birds/40 ha |
| Alabama | 2.3 birds/40 ha |
| Mississippi | 2.2 birds/40 ha |
Densities are lower as you move northward into the Midwest and Northeast:
| Location | Density |
|---|---|
| Michigan | 0.9 birds/40 ha |
| New York | 0.2 birds/40 ha |
So while still fairly common, Red-bellied Woodpeckers occur at higher densities in the southern parts of their range. Their numbers drop off as you move northward.
Habitat
Red-bellied Woodpeckers inhabit open woodlands, particularly areas with large old trees and standing dead trees. They prefer forests with a mix of oak, hickory, pine, and cypress trees. You’re more likely to spot them in moist bottomland forests along rivers and swamps, but they also utilize drier upland forests.
In addition to forests, Red-bellied Woodpeckers readily adapt to human-altered habitats. They frequent suburbs, parks, backyards, and golf courses with scattered large trees. You can also find them along roadsides, fencerows, and orchards. Their ability to thrive alongside humans certainly contributes to the abundance of Red-bellied Woodpeckers compared to other woodpecker species.
Nesting Habitat
When it comes to nesting, Red-bellied Woodpeckers prefer forests with an open understory and scattered large trees. They excavate nest cavities in snags or dead branches of living trees, usually 20-60 feet above ground. Nest trees average 25 inches in diameter but can range from only 9-24 inches for small isolated trees.
Some key features of quality Red-bellied Woodpecker nesting habitat include:
- Pine forests with an open understory
- Bottomland hardwood forests
- Stands of large, mature trees
- Availability of snags and dead branches for nest cavities
Access to nesting sites with appropriate trees limits breeding densities in some areas more than food availability. Protecting standing dead trees and snags is therefore important for Red-bellied Woodpecker conservation.
Conservation Status
Overall, the Red-bellied Woodpecker has a large and relatively stable population size across a wide geographic range. Their ability to thrive in human-modified landscapes also reduces conservation concerns. For these reasons, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is considered a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
However, the 30% population decline from 1966 to 2015, primarily driven by habitat loss, does warrant continued monitoring. There are also regional conservation issues for isolated northern populations at the edge of the Red-bellied Woodpecker’s range.
Population Threats
The primary threat facing Red-bellied Woodpecker populations is habitat loss, especially the removal of large and dead trees. Historical logging practices eliminated much mature forest nesting habitat. Development also fragments their forest habitat. Without snags or dead branches for nest cavities, Red-bellied Woodpeckers struggle to breed and nest successfully.
Invasive species like the European Starling compete with Red-bellied Woodpeckers for limited nesting cavities. Pesticides reduce insect prey populations which could harm chicks that depend on abundant insects. Climate change and severe weather events are emerging threats to monitor as well.
Conservation Actions
Some conservation actions that could benefit Red-bellied Woodpecker populations include:
- Protecting mature forests and bottomland hardwoods
- Retaining dead trees, snags, and stumps in logged areas
- Installing nest boxes where natural cavities are limited
- Controlling invasive species like the European Starling
- Limiting pesticide use around woodlands
While still a common species, focused conservation efforts are needed in regions where Red-bellied Woodpecker numbers are declining, particularly at the northern edges of their range.
Rarity Summary
To summarize, here are some key points on the rarity of the Red-bellied Woodpecker:
- The Red-bellied Woodpecker has a large population between 1.5 to 3.1 million individuals across a wide range in eastern North America.
- They remain common in the southeastern United States but densities drop off farther north.
- Red-bellied Woodpeckers thrive in forests as well as human-modified habitats like suburbs and backyards.
- Their ability to adapt to human landscapes makes them less rare than other woodpecker species.
- However, they have experienced a 30% population decline since 1966 primarily from habitat loss.
- They are considered a species of Least Concern but do warrant continued monitoring and conservation efforts in certain regions.
In conclusion, while the Red-bellied Woodpecker has a sufficiently large and widespread population to be considered common, local declines and habitat threats do elevate conservation concerns. Protecting mature forests and standing dead trees will be key to ensuring thriving Red-bellied Woodpecker populations into the future. Focused conservation efforts, especially in isolated northern areas, are advised despite their relatively low risk status. With appropriate habitat management, the unique and recognizable Red-bellied Woodpecker will hopefully remain a common sight for years to come.
References
Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Red-bellied Woodpecker overview. https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/
Dunn, Jon. Red-bellied Woodpecker habitat, diet, facts. The Cornell Lab. https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/
IUCN Red List. Melanerpes carolinus – Red-bellied Woodpecker. https://www.iucnredlist.org/
Kilgo, J.C. and Vukovich, M. 2012. Factors affecting breeding season survival of Red-headed Woodpeckers in South Carolina. Journal of Wildlife Management 76(2): 328–335.
Smith, K.G., Withgott, J.H., and Rodewald, P.G. 2000. Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), version 2.0. In Birds of the World (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.rehwoo.02
