Woodpeckers are a family of birds known for their distinctive chisel-like beaks, stiff tail feathers, and characteristic pecking behavior as they search for insect prey hiding in tree bark. Woodpeckers come in a stunning array of colors and patterns, with both males and females often having strikingly different plumage. One of the most iconic woodpeckers, easily recognizable by its bright red head, is the red-headed woodpecker. But does only the male or female of this species sport the flashy red head? Let’s take a closer look at the red-headed woodpecker to find out.
Identifying the Red-Headed Woodpecker
The red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a medium-sized woodpecker species found across much of North America. Adults of this species have striking black and white bodies with bold red heads, throats, and caps. The back and wings are mostly black with large white patches, while the breast and belly are white. The red-headed woodpecker’s black and white barred back and wings in flight make it easy to identify.
The red-headed woodpecker inhabits open woodlands, particularly those containing oak trees. It is highly aerial compared to other woodpeckers and frequently perches on bare branches high above the canopy. Its diet consists mainly of insects, nuts, and fruit. Like other woodpeckers, it excavates cavities in dead trees to create nests and roost sites.
Plumage Differences Between Males and Females
So which sex has the brilliant red head—males, females, or both? The answer is that in the red-headed woodpecker species, both adult males and females have red heads. The plumage is so similar between the sexes that it is very difficult to tell males and females apart by sight alone.
Let’s take a closer look at the subtle differences in plumage between male and female red-headed woodpeckers:
Males
– Bright red head, throat, and cap
– Black and white barred back and wings
– White breast and belly
– Black triangular shoulder patches
– Slightly more extensive red on nape of neck
– Slightly larger white wing patches
Females
– Bright red head, throat, and cap just like males
– Black and white barred back and wings
– White breast and belly
– Black triangular shoulder patches
– Slightly less extensive red on nape of neck
– Slightly smaller white wing patches
As you can see, the differences are very subtle. The male’s red color may be fractionally more vivid on the nape, while the white wing patches are a bit more prominent compared to the female. But only upon very close inspection would these minor differences potentially be discernible. The plumage is considered sexually monomorphic, meaning there is little to no visible difference between the sexes.
This shared flashy red coloration likely evolved to serve similar signaling functions in both male and female red-headed woodpeckers. The bright red heads may help with mate identification, defending territories, or scaring away potential nest competitors. Having two bright red-headed parents at the nest likely provides an added layer of defense against nest predators.
Behaviors of Males and Females
In addition to the sexually monomorphic plumage, male and female red-headed woodpeckers share similar behaviors throughout the year:
During breeding season
– Both help select a nest site, typically a dead tree or dead limb
– Both excavate the nest cavity together over 6-12 days
– Both incubate the 4-5 eggs for about 12 days
– Both feed the chicks once they hatch
– Both help defend the nest from predators and competitors
During winter
– Form loose flocks with both sexes mixing freely
– Roost communally in tree cavities
During migration
– Males and females migrate at the same times between breeding and wintering grounds
With so much behavioral overlap between the sexes, differentiating males from females in the field can be extremely challenging without observing confirmed breeding pairs. Even experienced birders often cannot confidently separate male and female red-headed woodpeckers unless the birds are side-by-side.
When Is Sex Identifiable in the Red-Headed Woodpecker?
While male and female red-headed woodpeckers look nearly identical to our eyes, the birds can likely tell each other apart using subtle visual, auditory, or chemical cues unavailable to humans. However, there are a few occasions when the sexes can finally be distinguished in the field:
During territorial displays
Males may exhibit territorial aggression against other males through acts like wing-flick displays and aerial chasing. Females do not perform these displays.
When a female is incubating
Only the female incubates the eggs and broods the hatchlings, while the male brings her food. A bird on the nest is clearly a female.
By voice
The calls and drumming patterns of males and females may have slight variations discernible only to other woodpeckers.
By unique band combinations
Researchers may attach specific color band patterns to males and females to identify them for long-term study.
Other Woodpeckers With Sexual Dimorphism
While male and female red-headed woodpeckers look remarkably similar, other woodpecker species exhibit striking sexual dimorphism where the male and female look quite distinct. Here are some examples:
Pileated woodpecker
Males have a red crest on the entire head. Females have a black crest on the front of the head and a red crest on the back.
Lewis’s woodpecker
Males have a reddish face and pinkish belly. Females have a dark gray face and pale gray belly.
Downy woodpecker
Males have a red patch on the back of the head. Females do not.
Yellow-bellied sapsucker
Males have a completely red head and throat. Females have a red throat and white forehead.
| Species | Male Plumage | Female Plumage |
|---|---|---|
| Pileated woodpecker | Red crest across entire head | Black crest on forehead, red crest on back of head |
| Lewis’s woodpecker | Red face, pink belly | Dark gray face, pale gray belly |
| Downy woodpecker | Red patch on back of head | No red patch |
| Yellow-bellied sapsucker | Completely red head and throat | Red throat, white forehead |
Conclusion
In summary, both male and female red-headed woodpeckers exhibit the brilliant red plumage that gives this species its name. The sexes are nearly impossible to differentiate by sight alone, though subtle cues like territorial displays may reveal the male. In contrast, many other woodpecker species show striking visual differences between the male and female plumage. So next time you spot a woodpecker with a flashy red head, rest assured it can be either a male or female red-headed woodpecker brightening up your day.
