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.

Slender, slightly curved white or pale rachis with dense, fine barbs extending outward at a uniform angle.

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

Upper back, rump, or tail covert area, indicated by the barred pattern and semi-fluffy base.

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.

Woodpecker feathers have historically been used in Native American regalia and ceremonies. Like most native North American birds, their feathers are protected under wildlife laws.

Look near the bases of mature hardwood trees, in wooded suburban yards, or around dead stubs where woodpeckers forage and preen.

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