The large red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a medium-sized woodpecker native to North America. As their name suggests, these birds have a striking red head, neck and upper breast in adults. Their bodies are mostly black with large patches of white on the wings and lower belly. The red-headed woodpecker produces a very distinct, loud call that can carry over long distances. In this article, we will explore what the call of this fascinating woodpecker sounds like, what the call means, and how to identify it.
Description of the Large Red-Headed Woodpecker Call
The most common vocalization of the red-headed woodpecker is a loud, rolling call that sounds like “chrraa.” This call is often described as sounding like a choking noise or a rolling rattle. It is a far-carrying call that is mainly used by these woodpeckers to designate and defend their territory and attract a mate.
The “chrraa” call is an instantly recognizable sound once you become familiar with it. It is a short but powerful call, often repeated in a series. The sound starts low, rises quickly to a peak, and then tapers off. To human ears, the call sounds almost metallic, mechanical, or robotic. It does not sound like a typical bird song.
This territorial call is most frequently given by male red-headed woodpeckers, who use it to establish their breeding territories in late winter and early spring. However, females may also vocalize in this manner. The call is often described as sounding angry, which makes sense given its purpose in aggressively defending a territory.
Context and Habitat Where Call is Heard
You are most likely to hear the rolling, rattling “chrraa” call of the red-headed woodpecker in open woodland habitats. This includes oak forests, beech groves, pine barrens, parks, and open wooded swamps. The red-headed woodpecker prefers trees that are dead, dying, or deciduous over dense, live conifers.
Often, you will hear the call and then see the bird perched high up on a bare tree limb, utility pole, or other exposed perch. The woodpecker may call while sitting stationary, or may call before flying across an opening between trees. The lack of obstructions allows this loud call to travel farther.
Differences From Other Woodpeckers
The “chrraa” call of the red-headed woodpecker sounds very different from other North American woodpeckers. It does not have the typical “rapid-fire” drumming or whinnying vocalizations of many other woodpecker species.
For example, the downy woodpecker gives a high-pitched “pik” call, while the hairy woodpecker produces a loud, sharp “peek.” The call of the red-bellied woodpecker is a rolling “churr.” The red-headed woodpecker call stands out from other woodpeckers as a short, abrupt, and rattling sound.
When and Why Red-Headed Woodpeckers Call
Territory Defense
The primary reason red-headed woodpeckers make their rattling call is to establish territories and defend them from rivals. These birds are very territorial during the breeding season from spring through early summer.
Both males and females will loudly call to proclaim ownership of a territory and warn intruders away. They are aggressive defenders of their nesting and feeding grounds. Proclaiming a territory with their call also helps attract a mate.
Alarm Call
The “chrraa” call sometimes serves as an alarm if a red-headed woodpecker is startled or senses a predator nearby. It will make the call to communicate danger to its mate or other birds in the area and signal that they should be alert.
Staying in Contact
Mated pairs of red-headed woodpeckers may also use a softer version of the rattle call to stay in contact with each other, especially when feeding in more dense vegetation. The call helps the pair keep track of each other when they cannot always maintain visual contact.
Identifying the Red-Headed Woodpecker Call
Here are some tips for positively identifying the rattling call of the red-headed woodpecker:
- Note the habitat – open woodlands near dead/dying trees
- Listen for a loud, abrupt, rattling “chrraa” sound
- The call is often repeated in a series
- Look high up on exposed perches for the caller
- The bird will have a red head if seen
- The call stands out from other woodpeckers
With practice, the unique call of the red-headed woodpecker is easy to recognize. This bird tends to be quite vocal, so if you are in appropriate habitat during spring and summer, listen for its rolling, metallic “chrraa” vocals.
Conclusion
The large red-headed woodpecker produces one of the most distinct and easily recognizable calls of any North American woodpecker. Its loud “chrraa” serves to proclaim territories, identify danger, and communicate with mates. This far-carrying call is mainly heard during the breeding season in open woodland habitats. With a red head and black and white body, loud rattling vocals, and preference for dead trees, the red-headed woodpecker stands out in both appearance and voice. Now that you know the sound of its signature call, keep an ear out for “chrraa” when birding appropriate habitats.