Red-bellied Woodpecker vs. Red-headed Woodpecker

Attribute	Red-bellied Woodpecker	Red-headed Woodpecker
Scientific Name	​Melanerpes carolinus	​Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Size	9-10 inches	7-9 inches
Coloration	Black and white striped back, red cap and nape, pale belly	Red head, black back, white underparts
Range	Eastern United States	Central and Eastern United States
Habitat	Deciduous forests, woodlands, parks, suburbs	Open woodlands, savannas, farmlands

Physical Appearance

The Red-bellied Woodpecker and Red-headed Woodpecker are both striking birds with vibrant colors, but they have distinct physical differences. The Red-bellied Woodpecker has a black and white striped back, a red cap on its head, and a red wash on its belly. In contrast, the Red-headed Woodpecker has a solid red head, a black back, and white underparts. Both species have a similar size, with the Red-bellied Woodpecker being slightly larger than the Red-headed Woodpecker.

Habitat

When it comes to habitat preferences, the Red-bellied Woodpecker and Red-headed Woodpecker have some differences. The Red-bellied Woodpecker is commonly found in wooded areas, forests, and suburban parks with mature trees. It prefers habitats with a mix of open spaces and trees for foraging and nesting. On the other hand, the Red-headed Woodpecker is often found in open woodlands, savannas, and orchards. It tends to favor habitats with dead trees for nesting and open areas for hunting insects.

Behavior

Both the Red-bellied Woodpecker and Red-headed Woodpecker are active and agile birds known for their drumming and vocalizations. The Red-bellied Woodpecker is known for its loud, rolling call that can be heard throughout its territory. It is also a skilled forager, using its strong bill to probe for insects in tree bark. Similarly, the Red-headed Woodpecker is known for its distinctive call and drumming sounds. It is a proficient flycatcher, often catching insects in mid-air or from the ground.

Diet

When it comes to diet, the Red-bellied Woodpecker and Red-headed Woodpecker have similar preferences for insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. The Red-bellied Woodpecker primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, as well as fruits and nuts. It also visits bird feeders for seeds and suet. In comparison, the Red-headed Woodpecker feeds on a variety of insects, including grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as fruits and nuts. It is known to store food in crevices of trees for later consumption.

Reproduction

Both the Red-bellied Woodpecker and Red-headed Woodpecker are monogamous birds that form long-term pair bonds. They typically nest in tree cavities, with the female responsible for incubating the eggs while the male brings food to the nest. The Red-bellied Woodpecker typically lays 3-6 eggs per clutch, while the Red-headed Woodpecker lays 4-7 eggs. Both species have a similar incubation period of around 12-14 days, with the young fledging after 24-27 days.

Conservation Status

While both the Red-bellied Woodpecker and Red-headed Woodpecker are relatively common and widespread in their respective ranges, they face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition from invasive species. The Red-bellied Woodpecker is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, with stable populations in North America. In contrast, the Red-headed Woodpecker is listed as near threatened due to population declines in some parts of its range. Conservation efforts are underway to protect both species and their habitats.