Red-bellied Woodpecker

Appearance

Adults are mainly light gray on the face and underparts; they have black and white barred patterns on their back, wings and tail. Adult males have a red cap going from the bill to the nape; females have a red patch on the nape and another above the bill.

The reddish tinge on the belly that gives the bird its name is difficult to see in field identification. They are 22.85 to 26.7 cm long, and have a wingspan of 38 to 46 cm.

Naming

It was first described in Linnaeus' ''Systema Naturae'', as ''Picus carolinus''. The type locality is given simply as ''America septentrionalis''.

Reproduction

In early May, the Red-bellied Woodpeckers begin breeding activities by drumming patterns; such as, slow taps followed by short rapid drumming. Woodpeckers depend on dead and drying wood for nesting purposes.

The male Red-bellied Woodpecker takes the initiative in locating a nest hole. He will then seek approval from his female mate by mutual tapping. The Red-bellied Woodpecker excavates holes in trees for nesting and roosting. By excavating cavities, they play an important role in the forest communities for other species as well.

For example, species such as squirrels and bats use these cavities as shelter. The female Red-bellied Woodpecker accepts the nesting hole by completing the excavation and entering the nest hole.

Researchers have documented that Red-bellied Woodpeckers have the tendency to nest in clear areas with only few trees. Studies have indicated that close canopy areas does not impact the bird’s nesting behavior; however, further studies are needed and are in progress. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are territorial during the nesting season and they breed once per year. A pair-breeding woodpecker begins nesting in April or May holding a year-round territories and showing high site fidelity.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers depend on dead trees for nesting. Recent studies have shown that these woodpeckers experienced low breeding due to cutting sites of dead trees; however, predators are still of main concern. The juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker are ready to fledge its nest at 24 to 26 days of age. Natal dispersal has been observed on juvenile Red-bellied Woodpeckers. The juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker remains approximately 27 weeks in its natal area after fledging. In some cases, the woodpecker may return to its natal area for breeding depending on predation levels and food resources.