Red-headed Woodpecker -- South Dakota Birds

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

A very distinctive and elegant woodpecker, and the only woodpecker in the state with an all red head.  They are birds of semi-open country, and can often be found in and around isolated shelterbelts and groves in the state.  Unfortunately, they are in decline throughout much of their range, and are only commonly seen in the southeastern portion of the state.

Habitat: Isolated Groves and shelterbelts, orchards, shade trees.  Avoids unbroken forest, preferring open country, forest edges, or forest clearings.

Diet: Omnivorous.  Eats a wide variety of insects, earthworms, seeds, berries, fruit, and occasionally eggs of other birds. 

Nesting: June and the first half of July

Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Red-headed Woodpecker Song 

Migrations: Generally winters just to the south and east of the state.

Feeders: Suet, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, nuts, and bread.

Birdhouses: Some will nest in birdhouses built for woodpeckers.

Status: Has been in decline, possibly due to competition for nest sites with European Starlings.

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

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

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

Photo Information:  June 28th, 2003 -- Lincoln County -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Red-headed 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