Red-Headed Woodpecker With Zebra Striped Wings And A Belly Color That Sets It Apart From Other Birds

This bird species can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States, but it is more common in the south.

Maryjane
  • Published in Animals
Red-Headed Woodpecker With Zebra Striped Wings And A Belly Color That Sets It Apart From Other Birds

Waking up to the beautiful tunes of the birds in the skies singing in your backyard can be one beautiful way to start out your day. Unlike most species of birds, the male and female birds vocalize all year long, and this is the most beloved sound in numerous backyards.

Most often, the red-bellied woodpeckers are confused with the red-headed woodpecker, and they are named for the difficult-to-see crimson color on their stomachs. This bird species can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States, but it is more common in the south.

Nonetheless, in spite of this, this type of woodpecker is expanding its range of breeding, which has traveled further north over the past 100 years. Aside from the faint crimson color of their stomachs, which we referenced before, red-bellied woodpeckers have zebra-like stripes that can be seen on their wings and backs.

This will, in general, make them resemble their family members, like the Gila and the golden-fronted woodpecker. Nonetheless, red-bellied woodpeckers have a secret weapon that separates them from the rest, and that is a radiant red head.

After their astounding colors come the common characteristics of a woodpecker; for instance, a long tail to assist with setting their bodies up on trees and two forward-facing toes as well as two backwards-confronting toes.

Meet the red headed woodpecker

Meet the red headed woodpeckerKen Gibson – CC BY-SA 2.0

Its hard to see crimson belly sets it apart from other bird species

Its hard to see crimson belly sets it apart from other bird speciesU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region – Public domain

These truly aid the bird in keeping a firm grip on branches and tree husks as it moves from location to location in search of insects to eat. And just like most species of woodpecker, the male and female red-bellied woodpeckers look somewhat different.

The male Red-bellied woodpecker has full red temples, scruffs, and caps, while females, on the other hand, have red scruffs with a smidge of ruby at the foundation of their bills.

Check out its zebra striped wings and back

Check out its zebra striped wings and backKen Gibson – CC BY-SA 2.0

Juvenile Red-bellied woodpeckers have plain heads with a light red tint. Parents brood 4 to 6 eggs and are known for their aggressiveness while safeguarding their nest.

For reasons unknown, the guys appear to favor the night shift when it comes to incubation.

Isn't she a beautiful bird? Yes, she is

Isn't she a beautiful bird? Yes, she isMike’s Birds – CC BY-SA 2.0

They go from place to place searching for insects to feed on

They go from place to place searching for insects to feed onJean Weller – Public domain

In the event that you might want to have these appealing birds visit your home, you can give them suet in the colder months, which is winter, or sunflower seeds and peanuts. They do have a firm favorite, which is sugar water, as well as fruits and jelly.

If you want to invite them to your background, then give them what they love

If you want to invite them to your background, then give them what they loveRodney Campbell – Public domain

Birds like this are a beauty to behold, and the fact that they sing makes everything more endearing. Have you ever heard the tunes of one of these bird species before?

If so, how did it go? Tell us all about it and what you think about this bird by dropping your own replies in the comments section below.  

Maryjane