ExploreBirds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a colorful bird with a bright red cap and a lovely belly. They love to drum on trees to find bugs and make their homes in the wood.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Red-bellied Woodpecker has a distinctive black and white barred 'ladder-back' pattern on its wings and back. Males sport a striking red cap extending from forehead to nape, while females only have red on the nape. Its belly often shows only a faint reddish wash, which can be hard to spot.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusMelanerpes
Red-bellied Woodpecker
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Red-bellied Woodpecker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their "red belly" is often just a pale blush, tricky to spot!

Their unique skull absorbs pecking shock, protecting their brain!

They sometimes steal food from other bird's nests, even eggs!

This bird's stiff tail feathers act like a tripod for climbing trees!

Special abilities

Ability

Bug Snatcher Tongue

Red-bellied Woodpecker has a long, barbed tongue that helps them reach deep into tree crevices to extract hidden insects.

Ability

Nut Stasher

Red-bellied Woodpecker can store acorns and nuts in tree bark because of their strong bill, helping them save food for later.

Ability

Tree Drummer

Red-bellied Woodpecker can rapidly tap their beak on trees and metal objects to communicate with other woodpeckers or claim territory.

Measurements & details

Length
22-26 cm
Wingspan
38-46 cm
Weight
0.056-0.091 kg
Lifespan
2-12 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
4-5
Incubation
11-14 days

Diet & Feeding

These busy birds are omnivores, eating bugs, nuts, seeds, and fruits found in trees.

Primary Foods

  • Insects (beetle larvae)
  • Acorns
  • Wild berries
  • Nuts
  • Tree sap
  • Suet

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-bellied Woodpecker?

22-26 cm

What is Red-bellied Woodpecker's wingspan?

38-46 cm

How much does Red-bellied Woodpecker weigh?

0.056-0.091 kg

How long does Red-bellied Woodpecker live?

2-12 years

How fast can Red-bellied Woodpecker move?

40 km/h

What does Red-bellied Woodpecker eat?

These busy birds are omnivores, eating bugs, nuts, seeds, and fruits found in trees.

Where is Red-bellied Woodpecker usually found?

Forests

How does Red-bellied Woodpecker hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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