Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a striking black-and-white barred back and wings, and a bright red cap and nape. Despite its name, the red belly is often pale and difficult to see in the field. They have a rolling, undulating flight pattern and a loud, distinct churring call.

Distinctive black and white barring (zebra-like pattern) across a dark ground, typical of upperparts or covert feathers in this species.

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs transitioning to a plumulaceous, fluffy base with a small afterfeather.

Smooth and firm along the upper pennaceous vane, becoming soft and downy near the base of the shaft.

High-contrast black-and-white transverse barring across a dark vane, characteristic of many woodpecker back and covert feathers.

Deciduous and mixed forests, swamps, suburban parks, and orchards with mature trees for nesting and foraging.

Year-round resident across the eastern and central United States, extending from the Great Lakes down to Florida and west to Texas.

Acts as a primary cavity excavator, creating nesting holes used by numerous secondary cavity nesters including bluebirds, swallows, and small owls.

Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Red-headed Woodpecker, though the specific high-contrast horizontal barring distinguishes it from most other small woodpecker body feathers.

Despite the name Red-bellied Woodpecker, the red is mostly on its head. The belly wash is often very faint or pale pink, leading many observers to mistakenly look for a bright red belly.

Good condition with minor wear at the tip and some fraying at the plumulaceous base, but overall intact structure.