Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Adult
- Boldly-patterned, medium-sized woodpecker
- Scarlet red head
- Bright white underparts
- Solid black back with large white patch on wings
- © A wing and a prayer, AR, Bull Shoals, May 2012
Red-headed Woodpecker
Adult
- Stocky, compact woodpecker
- Bright red head
- Strikingly patterned with bright white underparts and black back
- Large white patch on wings near tip
- © Knowway, Canada, May 2011
Red-headed Woodpecker
Juvenile
- Stocky, medium-sized woodpecker
- Bold white patch on wings contrasts with black back
- Mostly white underparts with juvenile showing some smudgy gray streaking
- Juvenile has dark gray/brown head
- © Laura Erickson, MO, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, September 2011
Red-headed Woodpecker
Adult
- Stocky, boldly-patterned woodpecker
- Bright red head
- Bright white underparts contrast with solid black back
- White rump and white patch on wings near tip
- © Dave Boltz, VA, Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, May 2011
Red-headed Woodpecker
Adult
- Stocky, with large blocks of solid color
- Rich, crimson-red head
- Bright white underparts
- Black back and wings with large white patch near wing-tips
- © Cleber Ferreira, FL, Joe Overstreet Rd, September 2011
Red-headed Woodpecker
Juvenile
- Stocky, medium-sized woodpecker
- Large white patch on wings
- Solid black back
- Juvenile shows grey/brown head, slowly transitioning to red
- © Bill Majoros, July 2010
Similar Species
Adult male
- Much larger and longer-tailed than Red-headed Woodpecker
- Distinctive crest
- Red only on crest and chin stripe
- Black underparts
- © Marcus Sharpe, Winter Park, FL, October 2009
Adult male
- Similar in size to Red-headed Woodpecker but with longer, more pointed bill
- Black and white barring on back
- Red only on crown, with pale, buffy face
- © Laura Erickson, SC, May 2010
Adult female
- Similar in size and shape to Red-headed Woodpecker
- Black and white barring on back
- Mostly pale gray/brown head with golden patch on nape
- Males show red patch on forehead
- © Carlos Escamilla, Laredo, TX, March 2011