ExploreBirds

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a colorful bird with a bright red head and a black and white body. They love to peck on trees to find yummy bugs to eat!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Red-headed Woodpecker has an unmistakable, vibrant crimson head and throat. Its body is starkly divided with a glossy blue-black back and wings, contrasted by brilliant white underparts and large white patches on its secondary feathers. This striking pattern makes it easy to identify.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusMelanerpes
Red-headed Woodpecker
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Red-headed Woodpecker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their bright red head makes them one of North America's most colorful woodpeckers.

These birds use dead trees called 'snags' to find food and make cozy nests.

They can sometimes catch and eat small rodents or even other birds!

Unlike most birds, they sometimes nest in utility poles or fence posts if trees are scarce!

Special abilities

Ability

Cache Master

Red-headed Woodpeckers can wedge acorns, nuts, and even live insects into tree crevices because they have specialized bill movements that help them store food for later.

Ability

Mid-air Acrobat

Red-headed Woodpeckers are expert aerial insect hunters, snatching flying insects mid-air with agile flight, which helps them catch prey other birds miss.

Ability

Tree Home Builder

Red-headed Woodpeckers can excavate their own nest cavities in dead trees, creating safe homes for their chicks because of their strong bills and necks.

Measurements & details

Length
20-24 cm
Wingspan
42-45 cm
Weight
0.07-0.09 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
1000 km

Diet & Feeding

These omnivorous woodpeckers enjoy a diverse menu of insects, fruits, seeds, and nuts.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Acorns
  • Berries
  • Nuts
  • Corn
  • Small rodents

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Large raptors like hawks occasionally prey on adult woodpeckers.

depends on

White Oak

Quercus alba

They rely on oak trees for acorns, nesting sites, and insect foraging.

eats

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

They consume various insects, including ants found on and in trees.

eats

Highbush Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum

They forage on and consume a variety of berries when available.

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-headed Woodpecker?

20-24 cm

What is Red-headed Woodpecker's wingspan?

42-45 cm

How much does Red-headed Woodpecker weigh?

0.07-0.09 kg

How long does Red-headed Woodpecker live?

5-10 years

How fast can Red-headed Woodpecker move?

45 km/h

What does Red-headed Woodpecker eat?

These omnivorous woodpeckers enjoy a diverse menu of insects, fruits, seeds, and nuts.

Where is Red-headed Woodpecker usually found?

Forests

How does Red-headed Woodpecker hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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