Woodpeckers are medium to large sized birds that belong to the family Picidae. They get their name from their distinctive behavior of pecking on tree trunks with their strong and pointed beaks. Woodpeckers have a number of special adaptations that allow them to peck away on tree bark to find food and create nesting cavities. There are over 200 different species of woodpeckers that can be found worldwide, except in Australia and Antarctica.
Woodpeckers come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from the tiny piculets that are only 3-4 inches long to the large woodpeckers which can grow up to 20 inches in length. In general, woodpeckers with red on their heads (like a red cap or fully red head) tend to be larger species. The red-headed woodpecker and pileated woodpecker are two examples of large woodpeckers with striking, red heads.
Large Woodpeckers with Red Heads
Here are some details on a few of the largest woodpecker species that have red markings on their head:
Pileated Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Dryocopus pileatus
- Length: 16-19 inches
- Wingspan: 26-30 inches
- Weight: 8-12 oz
- Notable features: Mostly black body, bright red crest on head, white stripes on face
- Range: Found in forests across much of North America, including most of Canada, the eastern U.S and along the Pacific coast.
The pileated woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers found in North America. It is nearly the size of a crow, making it easy to spot as it flies between trees. These woodpeckers have a very distinctive, rectangular-shaped red crest on the top of the head. Their black bodies also have bold white stripes along the neck and face. Pileated woodpeckers use their powerful beaks to excavate large, rectangular holes in dead trees. The holes are used for roosting and nesting.
Northern Flicker
- Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
- Length: 11-14 inches
- Wingspan: 16-21 inches
- Weight: 5-8 oz
- Notable features: Gray/brown barred plumage, red crescent on nape of neck, black bib
- Range: Found across most of North America
The northern flicker is a large woodpecker species found widely distributed across the United States and Canada. They are perhaps best recognized by the distinctive red patch on the back of their neck, which forms a crescent shape. Northern flickers also have a black bib, grayish barred plumage on their wings and underparts, and black spots on their belly. Though not as large as a pileated woodpecker, the northern flicker is still one of the biggest woodpeckers. They mainly eat ants and beetles, digging for them with their curved bill. They are often seen foraging on the ground.
Red-headed Woodpecker
- Scientific name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Length: 9-10 inches
- Wingspan: 16-18 inches
- Weight: 2-3 oz
- Notable features: Crimson red head, neck and upper breast, black back and wings, white belly
- Range: Central and southeastern U.S
True to their name, red-headed woodpeckers have bright red heads, necks, and upper breast. Their plumage offers a striking contrast with the black back and wings and white belly. Though smaller than a pileated woodpecker, the red-headed woodpecker is still one of the larger species found in North America. They are adept at catching insects mid-flight and enjoy eating seeds and nuts as well as wood-boring insects. Red-headed woodpeckers are known to be aggressive and territorial, even chasing away birds as large as crows.
Identification Tips
Here are some tips for identifying large woodpeckers with red markings:
- Look for larger sized woodpeckers, approximately 9 inches long or greater
- Watch for bold, red markings on the head like a full cap or crest
- Note black and white plumage patterns on the wings, back, belly and neck
- Listen for loud, repetitive drumming on trees
- Observe powerful and undulating flight patterns between trees
- Watch for woodpeckers excavating large holes in dead trees
Behavior and Habitat
The largest woodpeckers tend to inhabit mature forests and woodlands. Here are some details on the behavior and habitat preferences of big woodpeckers with red heads:
Pileated Woodpecker
- Inhabits mature deciduous and coniferous forests, often near water
- Prefers forests with lots of dead and dying trees
- Uses its chisel-like bill to hammer large, rectangular holes in dead trees
- Holes are used for roosting and nest sites
- Drumming can be very loud and go on for extended periods
- Primarily eats carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae
Northern Flicker
- Lives in open woodlands, forests, parks, and suburbs
- Forages on the ground for ants more than other woodpeckers
- Uses a feeding technique called ‘anting’ where it uses ants to fight off parasites
- Male performs a fluttering aerial display and makes a loud call during breeding season
- Drumming is fast and ringing
- Eats mainly ants and beetles
Red-headed Woodpecker
- Inhabits open woodlands, woodland edges, forests, and scrublands
- Favors areas with dead trees or dead branches on live trees
- Aggressive in defending nesting sites
- Hawking behavior – catches insects in mid-air
- Consumes wide variety of insects, seeds, fruits, and nuts
- Drums slowly in rolling bursts
Interesting Facts
Here are some fascinating facts about the largest woodpeckers with red markings:
- The pileated woodpecker’s habitat ranges over 4,000 miles from Canada to Florida
- Pileated woodpeckers mate for life
- Their drumming serves as a way to establish territory and attract mates
- Northern flickers can perforate wood with their bills up to 5 inches deep
- Flickers eat more ants than any other North American bird
- Red-headed woodpeckers are known to take over nesting sites from other birds
- Though the red-headed woodpecker mates for life, the pair only stays together during breeding season
- They store food like acorns and insects in crevices of dead trees
- The tongue of a pileated woodpecker sticks out 2 inches past the beak, allowing them to probe deep into trees
- Woodpeckers drum to communicate year-round, not just during mating season
Threats and Conservation
Some major threats facing these large, red-headed woodpeckers include:
- Habitat loss – Loss of mature forests reduces their nesting and feeding grounds
- Tree diseases – Diseases that kill old trees, like oak wilt and Dutch elm disease, remove crucial habitat
- Invasive species – European starlings compete with woodpeckers for nesting cavities
- Predators – Hawks, falcons, and squirrels prey on adults and eggs
- Vehicle collisions – Woodpeckers are sometimes struck while flying low across roads
Here are some conservation actions that can help protect large woodpeckers:
- Protecting remaining tracts of mature forest
- Letting dead trees stand where possible, instead of removing them
- Installing nesting boxes suited for larger woodpeckers
- Controlling starling populations
- Raising public awareness to appreciate woodpeckers
Conclusion
The pileated woodpecker, northern flicker, and red-headed woodpecker are all examples of the largest woodpeckers found in North America. Their black and white plumage and vibrant red head markings make them stand out. They play important roles in forest ecosystems by excavating cavities, consuming wood-boring insects, and dispersing seeds. Conserving mature forests across North America is crucial for protecting the habitat these iconic woodpeckers depend on.
