Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Woodpeckers
Red-bellied Woodpecker, photographed by Brad Imhoff

Photo: Brad Imhoff; Cornell Lab of Ornithology | Macaulay Library

Call and song

About the Red-bellied Woodpecker

Medium-sized woodpecker that is not well named; rarely is the slight red wash on the belly visible! Instead, note the black-and-white barring on the back and wings, plain buffy breast and face, and red nape. On adult males, look for the red extending onto the crown. In flight, look for the white rump. Found in forested and suburban areas, typically preferring deciduous trees. Slowly expanding its range northward. Visits feeders, especially for suet. Nests in cavities.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 2 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.