Red-Cockaded Woodpecker vs Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

How to recognise a red-cockaded woodpecker?

General appearance

The red-cockaded woodpecker stands out for its black and white barred back, large white patches on the wings, and black cap. The bird has a unique pecking pattern, creating large, rectangular cavities in pine trees. Though it’s named for the tiny 'cockade' or red stripe found on males, this feature is often difficult to discern.

Male vs female

Both sexes of the red-cockaded woodpecker have similar coloration making them difficult to differentiate. However, mature males exhibit a small red line or 'cockade' on the sides of their black cap. This red streak is often not visible unless the bird is excited or agitated.

Juvenile

Juvenile red-cockaded woodpeckers look similar to adults but have a brownish cap instead of black. Their plumage is duller overall compared to adults' bright markings. Juveniles don't have the distinctive red cockade that males develop as they mature. Their appearance doesn't have seasonal variations.

Size

7.9 - 9.1 in/1.4 - 2.0 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The red-cockaded woodpecker primarily inhabits pine forests in Southeast USA, preferring older trees for nesting.

Additional range

Unexpected environments include younger forests with mix of hardwoods. Their range extends from Oklahoma to Florida, and up to Virginia.

Range Map

What do red-cockaded woodpeckers like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-cockaded woodpecker primarily feeds on insects and other arthropods. They forage for ants, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and wood-boring insects found in or on the bark, branches, and trunks of pine trees. Additionally, they occasionally consume fruits, nuts, and seeds, particularly pine seeds, which provide an essential energy source.

Bird feeders

Red-cockaded woodpeckers are rarely seen at bird feeders. They might occasionally be attracted to feeders offering suet, especially during colder months when insect availability is reduced. Other feeder foods like sunflower seeds, peanuts, or mealworms may attract these woodpeckers, though such occurrences are uncommon.

What does a red-cockaded woodpecker sound like?

The red-cockaded woodpecker's vocalizations include a series of rapid, harsh chattering or "churr" sounds and a softer, more distinctive "queer" call used for communication with the flock. Occasionally, it will emit a high-pitched "peep" when foraging or alarmed. It does not have a traditional song, but courtship displays can involve a rhythmic drumming.

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

How to recognise a red-bellied woodpecker?

General appearance

The Red-bellied Woodpecker measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in size with a unique coloration. It has narrow black and white bars on its back, a buffy brown chest, and a face with a striking red stripe that extends over the top and back of the head. Its wings are broad, rounded, and short, featuring unique white patches noticeable in flight. The tail shape is multi-pointed and wedge-shaped.

Male vs female

Both males and females possess the same general physical traits including a black, red, tan, and white color scheme. However, marking differences can help distinguish between the two. A notable difference is in the level of red coloration on the head area; while both sexes feature a bright red stripe over the top and back of their heads, females tend to have less red compared to their male counterparts.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-bellied Woodpeckers closely resemble the adults in coloration and physical traits, except for the striking red stripe, which typically develops as they mature. Therefore, younger woodpeckers may have a less pronounced red stripe or none at all, compared to adults.

Size

9.0 - 10.5 in/2.0 - 3.2 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The red-bellied woodpecker primarily favors deciduous forests, frequently found along rivers and swamps, and mixed coniferous and deciduous terrain. They are less likely to be seen in pure pine areas.

Additional range

Uncommonly, they also venture into relatively open areas such as forest edges, clearings, groves on farmland, and suburban shade trees.

Range Map

What do red-bellied woodpeckers like to eat?

Natural diet

The red-bellied woodpecker is omnivorous. Its diet includes a wide range of insects, which it primarily forages in trees. During certain seasons, more than 50% of its diet consists of plant material like acorns and other nuts, as well as wild and cultivated fruits and seeds. Occasionally, the woodpecker consumes tree frogs, eggs of small birds, oozing sap from trees, and sometimes even small fish.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, red-bellied woodpeckers commonly eat a variety of offerings such as suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other nuts. Suet and nut-based feeders are particularly popular among these woodpeckers due to their high-fat content, which is beneficial for energy.

What does a red-bellied woodpecker sound like?

The red-bellied woodpecker produces various vocalizations, including a pattern that descends in pitch, described as "chuck-chuck-chuck." Their calls are typically loud, falling, and flat, resembling a repeated "churrrr." They also produce sounds classified as chirp or chip, drum, and rattle. These calls and songs are often repeated, making them a distinctive presence in their environment.

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Call

Audio by Paul Marvin

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

There's more to learn about Red-Bellied Woodpecker

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Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

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Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

General appearance

The red-cockaded woodpecker stands out for its black and white barred back, large white patches on the wings, and black cap. The bird has a unique pecking pattern, creating large, rectangular cavities in pine trees. Though it’s named for the tiny 'cockade' or red stripe found on males, this feature is often difficult to discern.

Male vs female

Both sexes of the red-cockaded woodpecker have similar coloration making them difficult to differentiate. However, mature males exhibit a small red line or 'cockade' on the sides of their black cap. This red streak is often not visible unless the bird is excited or agitated.

Juvenile

Juvenile red-cockaded woodpeckers look similar to adults but have a brownish cap instead of black. Their plumage is duller overall compared to adults' bright markings. Juveniles don't have the distinctive red cockade that males develop as they mature. Their appearance doesn't have seasonal variations.

Size

7.9 - 9.1 in/1.4 - 2.0 oz

There's more to learn about Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

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Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

General appearance

The Red-bellied Woodpecker measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in size with a unique coloration. It has narrow black and white bars on its back, a buffy brown chest, and a face with a striking red stripe that extends over the top and back of the head. Its wings are broad, rounded, and short, featuring unique white patches noticeable in flight. The tail shape is multi-pointed and wedge-shaped.

Male vs female

Both males and females possess the same general physical traits including a black, red, tan, and white color scheme. However, marking differences can help distinguish between the two. A notable difference is in the level of red coloration on the head area; while both sexes feature a bright red stripe over the top and back of their heads, females tend to have less red compared to their male counterparts.

Juvenile

Juvenile Red-bellied Woodpeckers closely resemble the adults in coloration and physical traits, except for the striking red stripe, which typically develops as they mature. Therefore, younger woodpeckers may have a less pronounced red stripe or none at all, compared to adults.

Size

9.0 - 10.5 in/2.0 - 3.2 oz

There's more to learn about Red-Bellied Woodpecker

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How to tell the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker from the Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Visual differences

The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker measures 7.9-9.1 inches and features black and white barred backs with large white wing patches and a subtle red cockade on males. The Red-Bellied Woodpecker, measuring 9-10.5 inches, displays narrow black and white bars on its back, a buffy brown chest, and a distinct red stripe across its head. The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is larger, with a more prominent red head marking, compared to the less visible red cockade of the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker.

Key differences and behavior

The Red-Cockaded and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers both exhibit unique behaviors. The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a cooperative breeder found in mature pine forests of the Southeast U.S., nesting in living pines with help from additional 'helper' birds. They focus on an insect-heavy diet with occasional pine seeds. In contrast, the Red-Bellied Woodpecker favors deciduous forests and shows less habitat specialization, often using dead wood or cavities from other species for nesting. Their diet is more omnivorous, including insects, nuts, and even small vertebrates. Behaviorally, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are aggressive during breeding, engaging in territorial displays. Though both may visit feeders, Red-Bellied are more frequent visitors. Meanwhile, the Red-Cockaded is more community-oriented, focusing on specific breeding territories and cooperative brood care.

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