Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus

The Red-bellied woodpecker may get its name from a light red wash on its underside, but it is easier to see the red nape in the back of the head. They are a familiar sight in the East and Southeast US, creeping along trees and picking insects from bark. Although they fight for nest holes in dead trees with other woodpeckers, they are often unsuccessful in winning battles with starlings who throw their chicks out of the nest and take the nest hole as their own.

E-mail a friend about this item.

Send Page To a Friend

Gift Reminder