Red-bellied Woodpecker look-alikes
Melanerpes carolinus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Red-bellied Woodpecker. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
Key differences
Much smaller size (14-17 cm). Downy has a smaller bill, a white stripe down its back, and lacks the extensive red on the head (male has a small red patch on the nape). Red-bellied has a barred back.
Hairy Woodpecker
Dryobates villosus
Key differences
Similar in size to Red-bellied, but has a much larger bill relative to its head. Hairy also has a white stripe down its back and lacks the barred back and red crown of the Red-bellied. Male Hairy has a red patch on the nape only.
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Key differences
Much larger (40-49 cm). Pileated has a prominent red crest, a mostly black body with white stripes on the face and neck, and a distinctive undulating flight. Red-bellied is smaller with a barred back.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Key differences
Similar size, but flickers are brown overall with black barring on the back, a black crescent on the chest, and a white rump visible in flight. They often forage on the ground. Red-bellied has a distinct black-and-white barred back.
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