What is a Red Headed Woodpecker?

The red headed woodpecker is a type of bird which pecks into wood to obtain its food. These woodpeckers range through most of the eastern and mid-eastern United States to the rocky mountains, as well as the eastern regions of Canada. The scientific name for the red headed woodpecker is Melanerpes erythrorephalus.

Measuring about 7.5–9.1 inches (19–23 cm) long, this woodpecker weighs 2–3.2 ounces (56–91 g). As its name suggests, the red headed woodpecker has a completely red head. Its chest is white and its back and wings are black with a large white spot on the lower part of each wing. The cartoon character Woody Woodpecker is thought to be modeled after this species.

The red headed woodpecker's call is a repeating "churr." They can also be identified by the drumming noise they make when drilling trees, however. This noise is heard in one-second bursts that are repeated approximately two or three times.

Although there are over 200 species of woodpeckers, the red headed woodpecker is the only species known to hide its food under bark or roof shingles. It is one of only four species that horde food at all. These woodpeckers are also known to store grasshoppers alive, trapping them in tight crevices so they cannot escape. In addition to insects, red-headed woodpeckers eat nuts, seeds, berries, mice, and other bird eggs and young. They feed not only by pecking into wood to find insects, but are also adept at catching them on the fly.

Red-headed woodpeckers are extremely territorial and aggressive. They will attack birds who enter their territory, destroy nests, and remove or destroy other birds' eggs. These birds live near forest edges or around areas that have dead or dying trees. They nest in hollows and nooks in dead trees and utility poles.

In February, red-headed woodpeckers begin to build their nests. They may use the same nest from year to year, take over an abandoned nest, or push the current occupants out of an active nest. In April or May, the female will lay four to seven eggs, and both parents will take turns incubating the eggs for 12–14 days. If the first clutch does not produce offspring, the female will lay a second clutch.

The red-headed woodpecker is considered near threatened in the US and vulnerable in Canada. Populations have been declining by 4.6 percent yearly since 1980. This decline is mostly due to habitat destruction, but sport and pest hunting of these birds has also contributed.

The Red-headed Woodpecker is notable for its striking coloration, with a bright red head and neck, contrasting sharply with its white underparts and black back and wings. This bold tri-color pattern sets it apart from other woodpeckers, which typically have more muted and less contrasting plumage.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are commonly found in North America, particularly in the eastern regions. They favor open woodlands, especially with dead trees, where they can forage for insects, their primary food source. They are also known to inhabit orchards, parks, and farmlands.

The diet of a Red-headed Woodpecker is quite varied, including insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are opportunistic feeders and are one of the few woodpecker species known to store food. They catch insects in flight and also forage on the ground, showcasing their adaptability.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, often creating nests in dead trees or using existing holes. They are monogamous during the breeding season, with both parents sharing responsibilities such as incubating the eggs and feeding the young. Their breeding season typically starts in April or May.

Red-headed Woodpeckers are not currently listed as endangered, but their populations have experienced significant declines, leading to their classification as a species of concern in some regions. Habitat loss and changes in land use patterns are primary threats to their conservation status.

Conservation efforts for Red-headed Woodpeckers include habitat preservation and restoration, such as protecting old-growth forests and managing dead trees, which are crucial for nesting. Organizations also engage in public education to raise awareness about the species and the importance of maintaining healthy woodland ecosystems for their survival.