Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Physical description:
Both male and female red-bellied woodpeckers have a red marking that extends from the back of their heads and crown. Rather than just a bright red dot like the Downy or Hairy woodpeckers, the Red-bellied has a red-orange spot covering the most of the back of its head. They have a long thick black bill. Their long neck and bodies are tan. Back wings are barred black and white. Central tail and rump are white speckled with black. They are approximately 9.25 inches from the top of the head to the bottom of their tail, making them 3 inches larger than the Downy, and the same size as the Hairy.
Habitat:
Hardwood forests and residential areas throughout the eastern portion of the U.S. year round.
Voice:
Nasal chirps, often followed by several successions of drumming. Often a “Cha cha cha” mating call made by the male.
For more information, we suggest visiting:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/sounds