Red-Headed Woodpecker With Zebra-Striped Wings and a Belly Color That Sets It Apart From Other Birds
Waking up to the beautiful tunes of birds singing in your backyard can be a lovely way to start your day. Unlike most bird species, both male and female red-headed woodpeckers vocalize all year long, making this sound a beloved feature in numerous backyards.
Most often, red-bellied woodpeckers are confused with red-headed woodpeckers, named for the difficult-to-see crimson color on their stomachs. This bird species can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States, but it is more common in the South.
Nonetheless, this type of woodpecker is expanding its breeding range, which has moved further north over the past 100 years. Aside from the faint crimson color of their stomachs, which we referenced earlier, red-bellied woodpeckers have zebra-like stripes that can be seen on their wings and backs.
This generally makes them resemble their family members, such as the Gila and golden-fronted woodpeckers. However, red-bellied woodpeckers possess a secret weapon that separates them from the rest: a radiant red head.
In addition to their astounding colors, they exhibit common characteristics of woodpeckers; for instance, a long tail that assists in stabilizing their bodies on trees and two forward-facing toes along with two backward-facing toes.
Meet the Red-Headed Woodpecker
Its Hard-to-See Crimson Belly Sets It Apart From Other Bird Species
These features truly aid the bird in maintaining a firm grip on branches and tree bark as it moves from location to location in search of insects to eat. Just like most woodpecker species, male and female red-bellied woodpeckers exhibit some differences in appearance.
The male red-bellied woodpecker has full red temples, scruffs, and caps, while females have red scruffs with a hint of ruby at the base of their bills.
Check Out Its Zebra-Striped Wings and Back
Juvenile red-bellied woodpeckers have plain heads with a light red tint. Parents brood 4 to 6 eggs and are known for their aggressiveness while safeguarding their nests.
For reasons unknown, the males appear to favor the night shift when it comes to incubation.
Isn't She a Beautiful Bird? Yes, She Is
They Go From Place to Place Searching for Insects to Feed On
If you would like to have these appealing birds visit your home, you can offer them suet during the colder months or provide sunflower seeds and peanuts. They do have a firm favorite, which is sugar water, along with fruits and jelly.
If You Want to Invite Them to Your Backyard, Then Give Them What They Love
Birds like this are a beauty to behold, and the fact that they sing makes everything more endearing. Have you ever heard the tunes of one of these bird species before?
If so, how did it go? Tell us all about it and share your thoughts on this bird by leaving your comments in the section below.
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