Red-bellied woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) are medium-sized woodpeckers found in forests across eastern North America. They get their name from the patch of red feathers on their belly. Red-bellied woodpeckers make a variety of vocalizations and non-vocal sounds as part of their behavior and communication.
Types of Vocalizations
The most common vocalizations of the red-bellied woodpecker include:
Calls
- Churring – A rapid series of short notes that sound like “churr-churr-churr.” This is a contact call used by the birds to communicate with mates and signal their presence.
- Rattling – A fast rattling or rolling call that sounds like a bouncing ball. This is given by both sexes.
- Whining – A high-pitched descending whine sounding like “wheee-ooo.” Often given in flight.
- Squawking – Harsh squawks or screams, often given when alarmed.
Drumming
Drumming is non-vocal sound produced by woodpeckers as a form of communication and territory marking. Red-bellied woodpeckers drum on dead branches or other wooden surfaces with their beaks. The drumming is a fast rolling sound, slower and softer than other woodpecker species.
Other Vocalizations
Red-bellied woodpeckers may also make softer quirks, squeaks, and chits during close communication between mates or parents and young. Nestlings give high-pitched begging calls when asking for food.
When Do They Vocalize?
Red-bellied woodpeckers vocalize in various contexts throughout the day and seasons:
- Calling more frequently during breeding season and territory establishment
- Drumming is most common in spring as a way to attract mates and defend territory
- alarm calls when startled or sensing threats
- contact calls to communicate with mate and offspring
- begging calls by offspring when seeking food
Regional Variations
There are some subtle geographic variations in the vocalizations of red-bellied woodpeckers across their range:
- Western populations have calls and drumming patterns slightly lower in pitch
- Southern populations have calls that are raspy and buzzy in quality
- Northeastern populations give an alternating series of churrs and rattles
However, these differences are very slight and most red-bellied woodpeckers have similar vocal repertoires across their range.
Sound Clips of Vocalizations
Here are some examples of red-bellied woodpecker sounds:
Churring Call
Rattling Call
Drumming
Purpose and Use of Vocalizations
Red-bellied woodpeckers use their various vocalizations and drumming for different purposes:
- Defend territories – Drumming and calling announces territory ownership and warns off intruders
- Attract mates – Drumming helps attract females to a male’s territory for breeding
- Stay in contact – Calling allows mates and offspring to maintain contact
- Signal alarm – Alarm calls alert others to danger
- Beg for food – Nestlings beg via loud squealing calls when hungry
By using a diversity of vocalizations, red-bellied woodpeckers are able to effectively communicate within pairs and family groups.
Similar Species
Some other woodpecker species make calls similar to the red-bellied woodpecker, but there are some key differences:
| Species | Call Differences |
|---|---|
| Downy woodpecker | Lower pitched rattling call. Faster drumming. |
| Hairy woodpecker | Louder, sharper rattling. Slower drumming. |
| Red-headed woodpecker | Harsher squawks. Faster drumming. |
Paying attention to the specific quality, pitch, speed and context of the vocalizations helps identify the red-bellied woodpecker.
Conclusion
The red-bellied woodpecker produces a variety of distinct vocalizations including churring, rattling, whining, and drumming. These sounds communicate with mates and offspring, define territories, and attract mates. Subtle regional variations exist across populations. Paying close attention to the specific sounds, pitch, and context can help identify the vocalizations of the red-bellied woodpecker versus similar woodpecker species.
In summary, red-bellied woodpeckers are quite vocal with their churrs, rattles, whines, squawks and drumming sounds, enabling effective communication and display in the dense forest habitat they call home.
