ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Red-headed Woodpecker

 Red-headed Woodpecker

red-headed woodpecker

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized, mostly black-and-white birds, with strong, sharply pointed bills for chiseling and digging into trees. They drill in search of food (insects and larvae) and to excavate nesting cavaties. As they climb up tree trunks they use their stiff tails as a brace. Their flight is undulating, with the wings folded against the body after each series of flaps. These climbers have strong feet, with two toes facing forward and two backward.

 

 

Listen
 

Red-headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: April-July

• Incubation: 12-14 days

• Clutch Size: 4-7 eggs

• Young Fledge: 24-31 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects, spiders, earthworms, nuts, seeds, and berries
Description
This species is brilliant with its white breast, black tail and wings which are black on the fore half and white on the back half. The head is completely scarlet red. In flight, large squares of white on the wings are very noticeable. This is our only woodpecker in which the sexes are similarly marked.

Habitat and Habits
This woodpecker inhabits open wooded areas with oaks and hickories. They are also found along country roads, where utility poles are a good substitute for trees. It feeds primarily on nuts and acorns, but also on insects. Typical calls are loud, rough kweer or kwrrr notes, but they give a variety of chattering calls, especially when in family units.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Like bluebirds, red-headed woodpeckers are fond of old orchards with dead fruit trees for nesting sites. The nests are in cavities and both parents incubate the eggs.