red headed woodpecker
1. Bird Name
The bird in focus is the Red-Headed Woodpecker, scientifically known as Melanerpes erythrocephalus.
2. Appearance
The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking bird noted for its vibrant coloration. The adult dons a bright red head, contrasted with a body of white plumage and black wings edged with white. Their beak is strong and chisel-like, perfect for boring into tree trunks. They have dark eyes and robust bodies, with males and females looking remarkably similar. Juveniles have a brownish head, which then turns red when they reach adulthood.
3. Size
This medium-sized bird measures approximately 19-25 cm (7.5 -9.8 inches) in length. They boast a wingspan of about 42-44 cm (16.5-17.3 inches) and their weight varies between 56-97g (1.9-3.4 oz).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Red-headed Woodpeckers are widely distributed across North America. Their range extends from southern Canada into the eastern and central regions of the United States and down into parts of Florida and Texas. Interestingly, their population density is highest in the Midwest. They dwell in a variety of habitats, such as deciduous forests, parks, orchards, and savannahs, essentially any area with ample trees.
5. Interesting Facts
One unique habit of Red-headed Woodpeckers is that they are known to store food, especially insects, in crevices of trees for later consumption. They are also known for their aggressive behavior towards other birds, and are known to remove eggs from other birds’ nests. In Native American symbolism, the Red-headed Woodpecker is a sign of balance, focus and determination.
6. Diet
Red-headed Woodpeckers have a diverse diet, eating a range of food from insects and seeds to small rodents and fruits. They are also known to feed on the eggs of other birds.
7. Behavior & Sounds
These woodpeckers are renowned for their erratic flight pattern and are often seen swooping around their habitat. Their call is a distinctive, loud ‘tchur-tchur’ or ‘queer-queer’ which often gives away their presence before they’re even spotted.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Red-headed Woodpecker is considered ‘Near Threatened’. The main threats to their population are habitat loss due to agriculture, logging, and urbanization, and competition with other bird species for nesting sites.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Red-headed Woodpeckers can live up to 12 years. However, the average lifespan is about 6 years. In captivity, their lifespan is typically shorter due to stress and dietary issues.
10. Additional Notes
In some parts of its range, it’s known as the “flag bird” because when it flies, the bright red head and white body contrast sharply with the flashing black and white wings, as if it is a flag unfurling. They provide a unique service in controlling pests in the ecosystem due to their feeding habits. Their interaction with humans is stable, although they can be a nuisance to fruit growers due to their fondness for ripe fruit. They are also celebrated in Native American folklore for their distinctive coloration and behavior.
