red headed woodpeckers

1. Bird Name
The Red-headed Woodpecker, also known scientifically as Melanerpes erythrocephalus.

2. Appearance
The Red-headed Woodpecker is striking bird, well known for its vibrant, completely red head. Its torso is predominately brilliant white, transitioning to bold, black wings that are defined by large white patches on the inner wing. This bird has a sturdy, chisel-like bill, perfect for hunting and pecking into tree trunks. Both males and females possess the same coloration, making it difficult to distinguish between the genders based on their appearance alone.

3. Size
The Red-headed Woodpecker averages in length between 19-25 cm (7.5-9.8 inches). Their wingspan ranges from 42-49 cm (16.5-19.2 inches), with their weight varying between 56-97 grams (2-3.5 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Red-headed Woodpecker is mostly found in North America, spanning through regions from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and as far west as the Rockies. These birds prefer open woodland areas with old trees, groves, orchards, and often seen in open areas with scattered trees.

5. Interesting Facts
Fascinatingly, the Red-headed Woodpecker is known to be omnivorous and has multiple ways of sourcing food. It can catch flying insects mid-air, dig into tree bark for larvae, or hunt for food on the ground. Also, this bird holds the unique behavior of storing food in caches for later consumption. In winter months, it survives largely on these food stores, which could be insects, acorns, or seeds hidden in crevices or under bark. Culturally, this bird is considered a symbol of vigilance and is somewhat linked to Native American spirituality.

6. Diet
These woodpeckers have a rather diverse diet consisting of both insects (beetles, cicadas, larvae) and plant material like acorns, beechnuts, cherries, grapes, and sunflower seeds. Occasionally, they would also consume small mammals, nestlings, and bird eggs if available.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Red-headed Woodpeckers aren’t as vocal as other woodpecker species. When they do call, they produce a sharp, harsh “churr” or “queerp,” along with other shrill notes. These birds are territorial and may display aggressive behaviors such as “wing flicking,” which is often a sign of irritation or aggression towards intruders.

8. Conservation Status
Unfortunately, the Red-headed Woodpecker is classified as ‘near threatened’ according to the IUCN Red List due to ongoing habitat loss and lack of suitable nesting sites.

9. Lifespan
In wild, Red-headed Woodpeckers have a lifespan of up to 12 years, but in captivity, they may live up to 15-20 years given that they are protected from predators and have consistent access to food.

10. Additional Notes
Red-headed Woodpeckers are also called the “Flying Checkerboard” or “Half-a-shirt” due to their distinctive black and white wings. Their role in ecosystem is significant as they control the population of pests and disperse seeds. Furthermore, their old cavities provide homes for other bird species, enhancing biodiversity. In terms of human interaction, they are often admired for their striking appearance and are sought after by birdwatchers.