header image

Red Bellied Woodpecker 

Red Bellied Woodpecker 

The Red Bellied Woodpecker is a common feeder visitor throughout the year and is one of the few feeder birds that won’t get bullied by Blue Jays.

Red Bellied Woodpecker on a suet cage

Poorly named, these woodpeckers can have a slight red tinge on their chests and bellies but are more easily recognized by their red caps and white faces, and the black and white barring that covers their backs and wings. A medium sized woodpecker, they are omnivores that enjoy various berries, nuts, and insects. At feeders, Red Bellied Woodpeckers enjoy peanuts, sunflowers, and suet. These birds are cavity nesters, which means they are often seen in woods or neighborhoods with standing-dead trees or trees with abandoned squirrel holes available for nest sites. They have 1-2 broods per year. These woodpeckers are also fairly vocal, making a loud a “querrr” noise while flying and browsing among trees.  

Red-Bellied Woodpecker eating sunflower seed at a bird feeder




Also in Wildlife Blog

Chimney Swift
October Bird of the Month: Chimney Swift

Chimney Swifts are dark colored, swallow-like birds that spend most of their time in-flight. When not flying, they have feet and legs that are uniquely adapted to clinging to the sides of rough surfaces, such as dead trees, cliffs, or your chimney!

Continue Reading

The Pileated Woodpecker
September Bird of the Month: The Pileated Woodpecker

Continue Reading

August Bird of the Month: Song Sparrow
August Bird of the Month: Song Sparrow

Continue Reading