Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Aves › Piciformes › Picidae › Melanerpes
Conservation status: least_concern
This medium-sized woodpecker is an omnivore, eating insects, fruits, nuts and seeds. They are known to play an important role in forest communities for other species as well, as squirrels and bats use their excavated cavities as shelter.
How To Identify
Typically measuring 7 to 9 inches in length, they feature a rich rufous or reddish wash across the breast and belly. Males are easily identified by a distinct splash of red plumage on their head crest.
Habitat
Red-bellied Woodpeckers inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with mature trees across eastern North America.
Behaviour
These woodpeckers are known for their habit of "anting," where they rub insects on their feathers, likely to combat parasites, and they often cache acorns and seeds in bark crevices for later consumption.
Native Range
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is native to Northern America.
Did You Know?
Despite their name, Red-bellied Woodpeckers have a red belly that is often difficult to see in the field; their most striking feature is actually the bold red crown and nape. They can extract insects from tree bark with remarkable precision using their specially adapted skull structure that acts as a shock absorber.
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