The Red-headed Woodpecker is such a cool bird that we want to feature some facts about them! Let’s dive into their unique drumming habits and clever food storage tricks. Keep reading to discover what makes the Red-headed Woodpecker different from other species.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
ORDER: Piciformes
FAMILY: Picidae
They are Omnivores – Eating Insects, Fruits, Nuts, and Other Bird Eggs
Red-headed Woodpeckers have a diverse diet, enjoying many different types of food. Did you know that these birds snack on a variety of foods, making them true omnivores? Learn more about what woodpeckers eat here.
- Insects, including beetles, ants, and flies, form a significant part of their diet.
- Fruits like berries, cherries, and apples are favorites, especially when in season.
- They also raid other birds’ nests for eggs, sometimes even preying on baby birds of other species.
Distinct Red Head
One way to spot this bird is to look for its red head. Keep in mind that other woodpeckers also have red heads, but this one is particularly striking.
- Both male and female Red-headed Woodpeckers share this distinctive red coloration.
- Young birds start with brown heads that gradually turn red as they mature.
- The red head plays a crucial role in attracting mates and establishing territory.
Loud Calls and Drumming
Red-headed Woodpeckers are known for their distinctive vocalizations and drumming behaviors. Did you know that their loud, raucous calls and rapid drumming serve multiple purposes?
- They use drumming for territory defense as well as to attract mates and locate food.
- The frequency of drumming increases during the breeding season.
- Their drumming can help them find insects hiding beneath the bark.
Prefers Open Woodlands
Red-headed Woodpeckers thrive in open woodlands with scattered trees. If you’re hoping to spot them, look for dead or dying trees. They’re one of the popular woodpeckers in North Carolina, where such trees are plentiful for nesting and foraging.
- These woodpeckers prefer habitats with fewer trees and more open space.
- Oak and beech forests, pine savannas, and river bottoms are typical habitats.
- In winter, they seek out areas with plentiful acorn-producing trees.
Cavity Nesting
Red-headed Woodpeckers are skilled excavators, creating their nests in tree cavities. This impressive skill allows them to nest in hardwoods like oak, maple, or beech. It’s one reason they’re among the most common woodpeckers in New York.
- Both males and females work together to carve out the nest in dead trees.
- The cavity is usually 8-24 inches deep, where the female lays 4-5 eggs.
- After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for about a month, with both parents feeding them.
Fierce Defenders of Their Territory
Red-headed Woodpeckers are known to be territorial birds. You’ll often see them fiercely protecting their chosen areas from intruders, including other birds.
- They chase away larger birds and assert dominance by spreading their wings.
- Territorial behavior intensifies during the breeding season.
- They defend not only their nesting sites but also their food sources.
Migrates in Winter
Red-headed Woodpeckers often head south for the winter months as temperatures drop and food becomes scarce. Migration patterns can vary depending on location and climate. Learn more about other woodpeckers that migrate.
- Some migrate short distances, while others travel longer journeys.
- Southern regions may see an influx of these birds during winter.
- Not all Red-headed Woodpeckers migrate; some remain in milder climates year-round.
Impressive Fliers
Red-headed Woodpeckers are remarkable aerial acrobats, reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour in flight. Their strong wings allow them to dart between trees with precision.
- Their flight features an undulating pattern, alternating between flapping and gliding.
- They catch insects mid-flight with impressive accuracy.
- Their flight abilities help them evade predators and navigate dense woodlands.
Uses Sapsucker’s Wells
Red-headed Woodpeckers cleverly take advantage of wells created by sapsuckers. They drink the sap that collects in these wells and eat the insects attracted to the sap.
- They visit multiple sapsucker wells daily, conserving energy by not drilling their own holes.
- The sweet sap provides a quick energy boost!
- Insects attracted to the sap offer an easy snack for these opportunistic birds.
Stores Food in Bark – Covers Up Their Bounty
Red-headed Woodpeckers are clever food hoarders, storing acorns, nuts, and seeds in tree bark crevices. They carefully cover up their stash with loose pieces of bark.
- They go to these hidden caches throughout the year, especially in winter.
- Their food storage behavior is how they survive during lean times.
- They’re territorial about their food storage areas, often defending them from other animals.
Engages in Courtship Dances
Red-headed Woodpeckers perform intricate courtship dances in the spring to find a mate. Did you know that males take the lead, flying in graceful arcs around potential partners?
- They spread their wings wide, showcasing their vibrant red heads.
- Sharp, rattling calls accompany their swooping and diving displays.
- If the female is interested, she joins the dance, and the pair might tap their beaks together.
Protected Species
Red-headed Woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States. Conservation efforts are important for their survival as their population has declined due to habitat loss.
- Many states have additional protections for these birds.
- Preserving dead trees on your property provides critical nesting sites.
- Supporting local conservation organizations helps protect and restore their habitat.
Known to Live Up to 12 Years
Red-headed Woodpeckers have a relatively long lifespan, living up to 12 years in the wild. Their long lifespan allows them to contribute to their ecosystem over many breeding seasons.
- Despite challenges like predators and habitat loss, many Red-headed Woodpeckers reach their full life expectancy.
- Their adaptability and resourcefulness play an important role in their survival.
- Not all individuals reach the 12-year mark, as environmental conditions can influence lifespan.
Symbol of Conservation Success
The Red-headed Woodpecker serves as a symbol of successful conservation efforts. In recent years, their population has increased across North America.
- Habitat preservation and restoration projects have created suitable environments for these woodpeckers to thrive.
- Nest box programs provide additional nesting sites where natural cavities are scarce.
- Public education campaigns have raised awareness around the world about the importance of dead trees and snags.
Easily Recognizable Profile
Although the Red-headed Woodpeckers are easily identifiable with their bold red head, from a distance you can confuse them with other red headed birds. Their bright red head, white belly, and black back make them stand out in the trees.
- Large white patches on their wings are visible when in flight.
- Their body shape is stocky, with a straight, chisel-like bill.
- Their wingspan ranges from 14 to 16.5 inches, making them a medium-sized woodpecker species.