H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Set # 136

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-headed Woodpecker

The red-headed woodpecker is rated as least concern on the (IUCN)’s Red List of Endangered species. It was formerly rated as near threatened, having been reclassified from Least Concern in 2004 after it appeared to have experienced a 65.5% decline in population over 40 years; from 1966-2015 there was a greater than 1.5% annual population decline throughout the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, and in central Florida.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Woodpeckers depend on dead and drying wood for nesting purposes. The male red-bellied woodpecker takes the initiative in locating a nest hole. He will then seek approval from his female mate by mutual tapping. The red-bellied woodpecker excavates holes in trees for nesting and roosting. By excavating cavities, they play an important role in the forest communities for other species as well. For example, species such as squirrels and bats use these cavities as shelter.The female red-bellied woodpecker accepts the nesting hole by completing the excavation and entering the nest hole.

© HJ Ruiz – Avian101