Red-bellied Woodpecker -- South Dakota Birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is an often noisy bird that has adapted to living in residential areas and parks.  Despite the name, it's usually very difficult to see the reddish wash on the belly.  The red stripe on it's head is a much more obvious identification feature.

Habitat: Floodplain forests, woodlands, groves, orchards, towns.

Diet: Omnivorous.  Eats many insects, but plant material may make up half the diet in some seasons. 

Nesting: May and June

Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Red-bellied Woodpecker Song, also Red-bellied Woodpecker Call

Migrations: Not migratory, although some wander north in the fall.

Feeders: Nuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, and suet.

Status: Seems to be increasing and extending it's range to the north.  However, it has undoubtedly suffered in some areas due to competition with European Starlings for nesting sites.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Red-bellied Woodpecker

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Red-bellied Woodpecker"

3) E-nature.com: Red-bellied Woodpecker

Photo Information: June 26th, 2005 -- Perry Nature Area near Sioux Falls -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Red-bellied Woodpecker photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08