Red-headed Woodpecker

The red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a striking mid-sized bird native to temperate North America. It is easily recognized by its bold tricolor pattern: a vivid red head and neck, stark white underparts and rump, and a jet-black back and tail. The wings are black with white secondary feathers, creating a contrasting pattern in flight.

Identification Tips

Adults of both sexes are identical in plumage, exhibiting the same vibrant red, white, and black coloration. Juveniles can be distinguished by their grey heads, which will later develop into the adult's red coloration. These birds measure between 19 to 25 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 42.5 cm, and weigh between 56 to 97 grams.

Habitat

The red-headed woodpecker favors open country, including woodlands with dead trees, groves, and agricultural areas. They are often found in places where standing dead timber provides ample foraging and nesting opportunities.

Distribution

This species breeds across southern Canada and the east-central United States. Its distribution map shows year-round residents, breeding populations, and nonbreeding visitors, with some northern birds migrating south for the winter.

Behaviour

Red-headed woodpeckers are known for their omnivorous diet, which includes insects, seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, and occasionally small rodents or bird eggs. They exhibit food caching behavior, storing provisions in tree cavities or under bark. During the breeding season, these woodpeckers are territorial and monogamous, often staying with the same mate for multiple seasons. They are cavity nesters, with females selecting the nest site and both sexes contributing to cavity excavation.

Song & Calls

The species is known for its distinctive "tchur-tchur" call and territorial drumming, which can be heard echoing through their habitat.

Breeding

Breeding pairs are territorial and may raise two broods per season. The female lays four to seven white eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks. Both parents care for the young, which fledge after 27 to 31 days. Fledglings are chased out of the territory by their parents to encourage dispersal.

Similar Species

The red-headed woodpecker is often confused with the red-bellied woodpecker, which has a similar size but can be differentiated by its orange-red crown and nape, pale reddish belly, and patterned black and white back.

Diet and Feeding

Approximately two-thirds of the red-headed woodpecker's diet is plant-based. They are adept at caching food, which helps sustain them throughout the year.

Conservation status

As of 2018, the red-headed woodpecker is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, having shown some population stabilization due to increased habitat management. However, it has experienced significant declines due to habitat loss and competition with invasive species like the European starling. It is considered threatened in Canada and several U.S. states.