Bird
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinusRed-bellied Woodpeckers are medium-sized birds with zebra-barred backs and pale underparts washed faintly red. Males carry red from the bill over the crown to the nape, while females have a gray crown between red areas.
woodpeckercavity nesterwoodland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyBeetles, ants, spiders
Predators
- hawks
- owls
- tree-climbing snakes
ThreatsLoss of cavity trees, window collisions, pesticides, and free-roaming cats
HabitatsDeciduous woods, swamps, forest edges, orchards, parks, and mature neighborhoods
Life spanOften several years, with banding records beyond twelve years
Classification
- OrderPiciformes
- FamilyPicidae
- GenusMelanerpes
- SpeciesMelanerpes carolinus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Watch from a distance and leave active cavities undisturbed.
Responsible observation
- Listen: Rolling calls and short drumming bursts often reveal a hidden bird.
- Identify: Focus on the barred back because the red belly can be difficult to see.
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