Native to North America, this woodpecker is known for its bold coloration and energetic behavior. Its bright red head and neck contrast sharply with its white underparts and black back, wings, and tail. The vivid, full red hood that covers its head makes it one of the most easily identifiable woodpeckers, earning it a spot in many birdwatchers’ hearts.

Thanks to its strong wings, the red-headed woodpecker has a robust and direct flight pattern. It exhibits a variety of interesting behaviors that set it apart from other bird species. Notably, this woodpecker is known for its ability to catch insects in flight, a skill not commonly seen in other woodpeckers. Additionally, it stores food by wedging it into crevices in wood, which helps it survive during the winter months when food is scarce. This woodpecker’s diet is quite diverse, ranging from insects and arachnids in the summer to nuts and seeds in the winter, showcasing its adaptability to different food sources throughout the seasons.

The red-headed woodpecker also has a unique relationship with its habitat. It favors open deciduous forests, particularly those with dead trees, where it nests and forages. These birds are cavity nesters, meaning they excavate holes in dead wood not only to live in but also to store food. This behavior is crucial for their survival and reproduction, and it also benefits other species by providing them with nesting opportunities in subsequent years once the woodpecker has abandoned a cavity.

Interestingly, the red-headed woodpecker is known for its bold and aggressive nature, especially when defending its territory. It often engages in conflicts with other birds over nesting sites and food storage areas. During the breeding season, both male and female woodpeckers are known to fiercely protect their territory from intruders, sometimes even taking on much larger birds.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Canada

2018

Mexico

2018

Seasonality Uncertain

Saint Pierre

2018

Passage

United States

2018