Red-Headed Woodpecker

1. Bird Name
The bird under discussion is known as the Red-headed Woodpecker. Its scientific (Latin) name is Melanerpes erythrocephalus.

2. Appearance
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a stunning creature, easily distinguishable by its bright red head, without the typical crest seen in other woodpeckers. The bird’s wings and tail are black, with large areas of white visible when it flies. Its bill is sturdy and chisel-shaped, perfecting for pecking into tree bark. Its eyes are clear and white. There are no notable differences in appearance between males and females, with both sexes exhibiting the same vibrant coloration.

3. Size
The Red-headed Woodpecker has a length ranging from 19 to 25 centimeters (7.5 to 9.8 inches). Its wingspan measures between 42 and 44 centimeters (16.5 to 17.3 inches), with a weight ranging from 56 to 97 grams (2 to 3.4 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution
This species is found across North America, particularly in the United States, with a range extending from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. They tend to favor open woodlands, swamplands, orchards, and suburban areas, with a preference for deciduous trees.

5. Interesting Facts
One unique behavior of the Red-headed Woodpecker is its habit of storing food and concealing it with wood or bark. They are also one of the few bird species known to catch insects on the wing. They are special to many Native American cultures due to their unique coloration, often symbolizing powerful change.

6. Diet
Red-headed Woodpeckers are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of food including insects, seeds, nuts, berries, small mammals, birds’ eggs, and even the young of other birds.

7. Behavior & Sounds
They are solitary, and somewhat territorial, and often perch on tops of poles or dead trees to keep vigil over their turf. Their flight is unique and recognizable, with swooping patterns. Their call consists of a distinctive ‘tchur-tchur’ or ‘kwirr’ sound.

8. Conservation Status
Their population has significantly declined in the past half-century due to habitat loss and competition from other species impacting their food sources. As such, the IUCN Red List categorizes the Red-headed Woodpecker as ‘Near Threatened’.

9. Lifespan
The typical lifespan in the wild is approximately 12 years. In captivity, these birds have been known to live for 26 years.

10. Additional Notes
In French, the Red-headed Woodpecker is known as le pic à tête rouge, while in Spanish, it is named the carpintero de cabeza roja. These birds play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, thereby aiding in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. While they are not inherently aggressive towards humans, if their territory is threatened, they have been known to exhibit protective behavior.