Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a familiar Florida resident recognized by its barred back, rolling call, and bright red head markings.
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is a familiar Florida resident recognized by its barred back, rolling call, and bright red head markings.
A medium woodpecker with a black-and-white barred back, pale face and belly, and a long gray bill. Males show red from forehead to nape. Females show red mainly on the nape.
Climbs trunks and branches, probes bark, catches insects, visits feeders, and stores food in tree crevices. Pairs excavate nesting cavities in dead or softened wood.
Harmless to people. Keep distance from active nest cavities and avoid cutting occupied trees.
Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Active nests, eggs, adults, and young must not be taken or disturbed.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, seeds, nuts, fruits, tree sap, and occasionally small vertebrates.
Behavior:
Climbs trunks and branches, probes bark, catches insects, visits feeders, and stores food in tree crevices. Pairs excavate nesting cavities in dead or softened wood.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Morning around mature shade trees, palms, dead snags, and suet feeders
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Least Concern
Safety Level:
Safe to Observe
Safety Information:
Harmless to people. Keep distance from active nest cavities and avoid cutting occupied trees.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes wood-boring insects and other pests. Abandoned nest cavities later shelter other birds, bats, and small wildlife.
Property Concerns:
Drumming or exploratory pecking may mark siding, trim, utility poles, and dead palm tissue. Address insect or moisture damage before using humane deterrents.
Fun Fact:
The faint red wash on the belly is often hidden. Its loud rolling call is easier to notice than the feature behind its name.
Wildlife Laws:
Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Active nests, eggs, adults, and young must not be taken or disturbed.
Identification:
A medium woodpecker with a black-and-white barred back, pale face and belly, and a long gray bill. Males show red from forehead to nape. Females show red mainly on the nape.