How to identify the Red-bellied Woodpecker

To correctly identify the Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

22-27 cm (8.7-10.6 in)

Wingspan

38-46 cm (15-18 in)

Weight

56-91 g (2.0-3.2 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a black-and-white barred (zebra-like) pattern on their back and wings. The underparts are pale gray to buffy white, with a faint reddish wash on the lower belly, which is often hard to discern. The rump is white. The tail is black with white barring on the outer tail feathers.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, chisel-like, black bill.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Grayish-black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Black-and-white barred back, pale underparts, and red on the head (extent varies by sex). The faint red belly patch is often not visible.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adult females but have duller plumage, less distinct barring, and a brownish wash on the head and underparts. The red on the head is often absent or very limited, appearing as a faint orange-red on the nape.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males have a full red crown extending from the forehead to the nape. Females have red only on the nape and a patch at the base of the bill, with a gray crown. Both sexes have the faint red belly wash.

Key field marks

• Back Pattern. Look for the distinctive black-and-white barring across the entire back, resembling a zebra pattern. This is a key field mark that distinguishes it from most other woodpeckers in its range.
• Head Coloration (Sex-specific). Males have a full red cap from the forehead to the nape. Females have red only on the nape and a small patch above the bill, with a gray crown in between. This is the most reliable way to sex them.
• Underparts and Belly. The underparts are pale gray to buffy white. While named 'Red-bellied', the reddish wash on the lower belly is often very faint and difficult to see in the field, so do not rely on this feature alone.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its characteristic rolling 'churr-churr-churr' or 'kwirr-kwirr-kwirr' call, and sharp 'kip' notes. These calls are quite distinctive and often heard before the bird is seen.
• Size and Shape. It's a medium-sized woodpecker with a relatively long, chisel-like bill. Its overall size is larger than a Downy but smaller than a Pileated.

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