A noisy forager is one to spot during all seasons in the Chesapeake region

If you’ve ever heard pecking on trees and followed the sound to see a flash of red, chances are you spotted the red-bellied woodpecker foraging for its next meal. 

This medium-sized bird is about 10 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 16 inches. The red-bellied woodpecker has a misleading name, as there is almost never any red on the belly of this bird. Instead, its body is mostly pale white, with a black-and-white patterned back and red flashes only visible on the head and neck. 

Unlike many other bird species in the watershed, red-bellied woodpeckers are not migratory. While they prefer warmer climates, the birds prepare for winter by drilling into tree bark, extracting seeds and nuts and then storing them inside crevices to eat later in the season. As the birds forage for fruits and nuts, they simultaneously transport seeds to new areas, which helps forests regenerate. Additionally, their abandoned nesting cavities provide shelter for other species, including small owls, chickadees and even some small mammals. 

Both male and female red-bellied woodpeckers play an active role in raising their young. The male often takes the role of digging a cavity to be used for the nest, usually in a dead tree or a decaying limb, while the female picks the nesting site and helps defend the territory. Once the eggs are laid, both parents take turns incubating them, with the male often taking the night shift. 

After hatching, the chicks rely on their parents for food and protection. Red-bellied woodpeckers are extremely protective of their young and will defend the nest with alarm calls and attacks. But after about 25 days, the juveniles leave the nest and start fending for themselves. 

Red-bellied woodpeckers are relatively abundant in the Bay watershed, and their population has increased slightly nationwide since the 1960s. However, forest conservation is one of the best ways to ensure that this species continues thriving and is around for generations to come. 

To learn more about other birds that visit the Chesapeake Bay region, visit our field guide.