Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a medium-sized woodpecker of the Picidae family. It breeds in southern Canada, northeastern Mexico, and the northeastern United States, ranging as far south as Florida and as far west as Texas. Its common name is somewhat misleading, as the most prominent red part of its plumage is on the head; the red-headed woodpecker, however, is another species that is a rather close relative but looks quite different.

I have seen this species previously in Florida. This year I’m happy to say I have them in my own backyard. I just hope that they come and nest here and be a permanent resident under my care.

19 thoughts on “Red-bellied Woodpecker”

Midwestern Plant Girl on December 9, 2015 at 7:45 am said:

Mine really love suet and the larger feeder to land on. I bet you get a resident if you put suet out. 😃

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- avian101 on December 9, 2015 at 9:49 am said:
  
  In the past I’ve put suet out for birds with no success at all. However the mix seeds that I give them attracts more variety of birds. Thanks! 🙂
  
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Jet Eliot on December 9, 2015 at 11:00 am said:

Oh what a fantastic treat for you! Your bird-hosting skills and talents are astounding, HJ. 😀

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- avian101 on December 9, 2015 at 12:16 pm said:
  
  Don’t say that Jet…I might start believing it! 🙂 Thanks my friend! 🙂
  
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westerner54 on December 9, 2015 at 11:36 am said:

Yours is the first photo I’ve seen where I can actually see some red on the belly! Beautiful.

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- avian101 on December 9, 2015 at 12:17 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much! 🙂
  
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Birder's Journey on December 9, 2015 at 1:10 pm said:

Sweet! I love your gallery of shots of this delightful woodpecker.

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- avian101 on December 9, 2015 at 2:02 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much Carol! 🙂
  
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susanpoozan on December 9, 2015 at 2:04 pm said:

I hope so too, they are such beautiful birds.

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- avian101 on December 9, 2015 at 2:24 pm said:
  
  We’ll see what happens! Thanks Susan! 🙂
  
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tootlepedal on December 9, 2015 at 5:28 pm said:

What a treat to have a colourful visitor like this.

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- avian101 on December 9, 2015 at 11:14 pm said:
  
  You’re right Tom! 🙂
  
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Lisa Rest on December 10, 2015 at 10:47 am said:

Lucky you to get Red-Bellieds in your yard. Your yard must be legend among the avians if you’re getting so many referrals! 🙂

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- avian101 on December 10, 2015 at 10:56 am said:
  
  Ha, ha!… “Feed them and they’ll come” 🙂
  
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clarepooley33 on December 10, 2015 at 4:20 pm said:

What a lovely-looking bird!

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- avian101 on December 10, 2015 at 5:20 pm said:
  
  Thank you Clare! 🙂
  
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  - clarepooley33 on December 10, 2015 at 5:21 pm said:
    
    🙂
Tiny on December 12, 2015 at 11:19 am said:

They are beautiful birds! I hope they settle in your backyard. I had a female here yesterday, and you seem to have a male 🙂

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- avian101 on December 12, 2015 at 11:29 am said:
  
  Match making? 😉 Thank you Tiny! 🙂
  
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