Perhaps the most misnamed bird in the forest, often suffers from a bit of an identity crisis among casual observers. If you’re looking for a bird with a bright, crimson stomach, you’ll likely be disappointed; their “red” belly is actually a very faint, pale-pinkish wash that looks more like a slight strawberry stain on a white shirt. Instead, the most striking thing about them is their “zebra-striped” back—a beautiful pattern of horizontal black and white bars. These birds are the medium-sized masters of the eastern North American woodlands, combining a sophisticated, high-contrast look with a surprisingly bold and curious personality.
While the red-headed has a solid, deep-crimson “hood” that covers its entire head and throat, the red-bellied woodpecker is more selective with its color. Males sport a vibrant red cap that sweeps all the way from the base of the beak to the back of the neck, while females have a more modest look, with red only on the nape (the back of the neck) and a small patch above the bill. Their faces are a clean, neutral buff color, which makes their dark, intelligent eyes stand out. It’s this “partial cap” and the intricate ladder-back feathers that make them instantly recognizable once you know what to look for.
While many woodpeckers are strictly “bugs-only” diners, the red-bellied is a true generalist with a massive appetite for variety. They are the “foodies” of the bird world, happily snacking on beetles and ants one minute and raiding a bird feeder for sunflower seeds or suet the next. They even have a bit of a sweet tooth, often seen sipping nectar from hummingbird feeders or pecking at oranges and berries. They are also incredibly organized; they practice “caching,” which involves wedging nuts and seeds into deep crevices in tree bark to save for the winter. They’ve even been known to hide their stash under roof shingles or inside fence posts, showing a remarkable ability to adapt to human environments.
Distribution
Bahamas
Canada
Mexico
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
