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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. XXX
Field-journal plate: Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate XXX

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

Picidae · Taxon 18205

Length9.4 in (24 cm)
Wingspan13.0–16.5 in (33–42 cm)
Weight2.0–3.2 oz (56–91 g)

Field marks

  1. Medium-sized, sleek woodpecker with a rounded head and straight, chisel-like gray-black bill.
  2. Bold black-and-white barring across the back and wings; white patches flash near the wingtips in flight.
  3. Pale grayish-white face, throat, and underparts, often with a subtle pinkish-red wash on the lower belly.
  4. Adult male has red from crown to nape; adult female has red mainly on the nape.
  5. Dark eye and strong gray climbing feet; stiff pointed tail supports the bird against tree trunks.

HabitatDeciduous or mixed woodlands and forests, including mature hardwoods, woodland edges, parks, and wooded suburban areas.

BehaviorHitches along trunks and main branches, probing and picking at bark for insects; uses a characteristic undulating flight and may cache food in crevices.

Palette

scarlet redpale gray-whitesoft buffblackwhite