Red Bellied Woodpecker
by Barbara McMahon
Title
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Artist
Barbara McMahon
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a medium-sized woodpecker of the Picidae family. It breeds in southern Canada and the northeastern United States, ranging as far south as Florida and as far west as Texas. Its common name is somewhat misleading, as the most prominent red part of its plumage is on the head; the red-headed woodpecker, however, is another species that is a rather close relative but looks quite different.
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 (9.00 to 10.51 in) long, and have a wingspan of 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in). These birds mainly search out arthropods on tree trunks. They may also catch insects in flight. They are omnivores, eating insects, fruits, nuts and seeds. Their breeding habitat is usually deciduous forests. They nest in the decayed cavities of dead trees, old stumps, or in live trees that have softer wood such as elms, maples, or willows; both sexes assist in digging nesting cavities. Areas around nest sites are marked with drilling holes to warn others away.
Though the species is not globally threatened, it depends on large trees for nesting. In areas that are extensively deforested, the birds will sometimes utilize gardens, but for the most part simply will not be present in any numbers.
Uploaded
November 26th, 2014
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Viewed 1,342 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/17/2024 at 11:13 AM
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Comments (12)
Barbara McMahon
Thank you Lenore Senior for featuring "Red Bellied Woodpecker" in the Old MASTERS - PHOTOGRAPHERS Group! Much appreciated.
Michaela Perryman
What a beauty !
Barbara McMahon replied:
Thank you Michaela Perryman all the way from Australia! I'm so pleased you like this image!
Marvin Spates
Wow what beautiful color and marking on this woodpecker Barbara!!! L/F
Barbara McMahon replied:
Thank you Marvin! I was thrilled to get close enough to this beautiful woodpecker and capture some moments.
Randy Rosenberger
This lovely piece of art work deserves many accolades, and I hope you get them on our WFS site, as they surely are worthy of high recognition. It is with pride and pleasure that I Feature this beautifully done piece of artwork on our Homepage. Thanks much for sharing your talents and the beauty of your great works. Liked & Faved Forever, Elvis
Barbara McMahon replied:
Thank you Randy Rosenberger for your kind comment and featuring "Red Bellied Woodpecker" in the Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group! Very much appreciated.:)