The female Red-bellied Woodpecker has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from the male of the species. In this article, we will explore the key identifying features of the female Red-bellied Woodpecker, including size, plumage, markings, behavior, habitat, diet, and more.
Size
The female Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker, measuring around 9-10 inches in length with a wingspan of 15-18 inches. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males on average.
Plumage
The plumage or feather pattern of the female Red-bellied Woodpecker consists of the following:
- Head: Gray crown and nape, with a red patch on the back of the head. The red patch is duller than on the male.
- Upperparts: Mostly black upperparts with white barring on the back and inner wings.
- Underparts: Pale grayish underparts, with reddish-pink belly extending to the undertail coverts.
- Tail: Black tail with white outer tail feathers barred with black.
In comparison to the male, the female’s red belly patch is less extensive and duller in color. The black and white barring on the back and wings is also less pronounced than on the male.
Markings
In addition to the plumage coloration and patterns, the female Red-bellied Woodpecker has several distinct markings:
- White stripe above the eye
- Black stripe through the eye
- White stripe below the eye extending down to the throat
- White bar across the wings
The striking facial markings help identify the bird as a woodpecker species. The white stripes and bars stand out against the black plumage.
Behavior
Female Red-bellied Woodpeckers exhibit the following behaviors:
- Perch horizontally on tree trunks and branches while foraging.
- Use their stiff tail feathers to prop themselves upright on vertical surfaces.
- Tap and drum on wood using their sharp bill to excavate nest cavities.
- Flick their bill from side to side to help remove wood chips from nest holes.
- Make frequent raspy “cha-cha-cha” vocalizations.
- Visit feeders for seeds, suet, peanuts and other foods.
Females and males both engage in drumming on surfaces, but the drumming of females tends to be slower. Females are also less vocal and aggressive than males.
Habitat
Female Red-bellied Woodpeckers occupy the following habitats:
- Open woodlands, including oak, beech, hickory, and pine forests
- Woodland edges and river bottoms
- Parks, cemeteries, golf courses with scattered large trees
- Residential areas with mature trees
They prefer habitats with large dead trees and fallen logs that provide nesting and roosting sites. Females are often found in more residential settings than males.
Diet
The diet of the female Red-bellied Woodpecker consists of:
- Insects like beetle larvae, ants, bees, wasps, caterpillars
- Spiders
- Centipedes
- Millipedes
- Seeds and nuts like acorns, beech nuts, pecans
- Fruits like wild grapes, sumac berries, dogwood berries
- Sap from trees
- Suet and food from bird feeders
The female uses her long barbed tongue to extract insects and larvae from crevices in trees and logs. They may also hawk flying insects in the air.
Breeding
During the breeding season, female Red-bellied Woodpeckers:
- Excavate the nest cavity in soft dead wood of a tree limb or trunk
- Lay a clutch of 4-5 glossy white eggs
- Incubate the eggs for 12-14 days
- Both parents care for and feed the young
- Fledglings leave the nest at around 27-34 days old
Females invest significant time and energy into preparing the nest cavity. They roost inside the cavity at night once completed. The duties of incubating eggs and raising nestlings are shared by both parents.
Voice
The female Red-bellied Woodpecker has a distinctive vocalization described as a rolling “cha-cha-cha” or “chur-chur.” This is often given in series of 10 or more notes. It is thought to be a form of territorial signaling and communication between mates.
Other calls include:
- Rattling or gurgling sounds during the nest excavation
- Shrill “wheek” contact call
- High-pitched whinny or squeal when threatened
Females may also drums slowly on wood while calling to defend territory and communicate with their mate.
Identification Tips
Here are some key tips for identifying female Red-bellied Woodpeckers:
- Look for medium woodpecker with black and white barred back.
- Note the dull red belly extending to the undertail.
- Watch for white stripes on head with black stripe through eye.
- Listen for “cha-cha-cha” call and slow drumming.
- Observe them feeding on insects on trunks and at suet feeders.
- See them flick away wood chips while excavating nest holes.
Range
The breeding range of the female Red-bellied Woodpecker extends across:
- Eastern United States from Minnesota to Florida
- Along the Pacific coast from Northern California to Washington
- Permanent residents across much of range
- Migrate short distances in northern parts of range
They are common and year-round residents across most of the eastern and southeastern U.S. Their range has expanded north and west over the last century.
Similar Species
The female Red-bellied Woodpecker may be confused with:
Downy Woodpecker
- Smaller with a proportionally smaller bill
- Less defined red on belly
- More spotted appearance on wings
- Male has red patch on back of head
Red-headed Woodpecker
- Entirely red head
- No red on belly
- White wing patches
Northern Flicker
- Horizontal black dots on belly
- Large black crescent across upper breast
- Flashy bright underwings
Conclusion
The female Red-bellied Woodpecker is medium-sized with a subtle elegance to her black, white and red plumage. Distinct facial patterns, flashing white stripes and wing bars, a broad red belly, and loud vocalizations help identify the active female as she drums on wood and excavates nest holes.
Observing the specific field marks, behaviors, habitats, and sounds of the female Red-bellied woodpecker allows bird watchers to properly differentiate her from similar looking woodpecker species.