The answer to whether the female woodpecker has a redhead depends on the species of woodpecker. There are over 200 species of woodpeckers worldwide, and they display a variety of plumage colors and patterns. In some species, the male and female look identical, while in others, the sexes have distinctive coloration.
Plumage Differences Between Male and Female Woodpeckers
In woodpecker species where the sexes look different, it is usually the male that has the more vibrant, colorful plumage. The reason for this is that the brightly-colored plumage helps attract females for breeding. Some examples of visual differences between male and female woodpeckers include:
- Northern Flickers – Males have a red moustache on the face, whereas females do not.
- Red-headed Woodpeckers – Males have entirely red heads, while females have gray heads.
- Lewis’s Woodpeckers – Males have a red face and pink belly, while females lack red and have a gray belly.
- Red-bellied Woodpeckers – Males have a red cap going from the bill to the nape, while females do not.
So in species where the male has distinctive red plumage on the head, face or nape, the female lacks similar red coloration. But there are exceptions.
Exceptions – Female Woodpeckers with Red on the Head
There are a few woodpecker species in which the female does have red coloring on her head or face:
- Red-breasted Sapsucker – Both male and female have red on the head.
- Gila Woodpecker – Both sexes have a red cap.
- Acorn Woodpecker – Females have some red on forehead and throat.
- Yellow-tufted Woodpecker – Female has red spot at base of bill.
So while uncommon, there are some female woodpeckers that do display limited red plumage on their heads. But in most woodpecker species, it is the male that has the bold, redhead pattern.
Purpose of the Redheads in Male Woodpeckers
The bright red plumage on the heads and faces of male woodpeckers serves an important purpose. The red coloration is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to help attract mates and serve in courtship displays.
Some of the ways the redheads are used include:
- Visual Signal – The red plumage provides a striking visual contrast that catches the female’s attention.
- Species Recognition – The distinctive patterns help males and females recognize their own species.
- Fitness Display – The bright colors signal the male’s health and fitness as a mate.
- Courtship Display – Males show off the redheads during mating dances and rituals.
The saturated reds and vivid patterns are thought to signal robust health, good genes, ability to find food, and overall suitability as a breeding partner. This helps explain why male-only redheads are so common across woodpecker species.
Red Pigmentation in Woodpeckers
The red coloration seen in the plumage of many woodpecker species comes from pigments called carotenoids. Carotenoids are organic compounds that birds ingest from their food and then metabolically convert into red, orange, and yellow feather pigments.
Key things about woodpecker red carotenoid pigments:
- Comes from fruits, berries, and insects in their diet
- Must be continually replenished through diet
- Carotenoid-based colors are fitness signals
- Brighter males thought to have better carotenoid assimilation
- Coloration directly affected by nutrition and health
This connection between the vivid redheads and nutrition helps explain why the red plumage serves as an honest, reliable signal of male woodpecker fitness and quality. The saturation and brilliance of the red reflect underlying health and vitality.
Shades of Red in Woodpecker Plumage
While woodpecker redheads may look similar to our eyes, researchers have identified subtle differences in the shades and tints of red used by different woodpecker species:
Species | Shade of Red |
---|---|
Northern Flicker | Deep scarlet red |
Pileated Woodpecker | Dark maroon red |
Red-headed Woodpecker | Brilliant crimson red |
Acorn Woodpecker | Ruby red |
Red-bellied Woodpecker | Vibrant cherry red |
The specific type of carotenoids available in the environment and diet influences the exact red shade that develops in each species. And the use of different red hues is thought help woodpeckers distinguish their own species.
Red Coloration in Juvenile Woodpeckers
In woodpecker species where adult males have red plumage patterns, the juvenile birds and females start out with gray or yellow feathers where the red will eventually develop. The gray or duller hues provide camouflage and protection in the early vulnerable stages of life. The redhead feathers do not grow in until they approach adulthood.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to whether female woodpeckers have redheads depends on the species. While males of many woodpecker species do have striking red markings on their heads and faces used in courtship displays, females of most species lack similar red plumage. The exceptions are a few species in which both sexes feature limited red coloration. The vibrant redheads of male woodpeckers serve as effective breeding signals precisely because they stand out against the non-red females of their own species.