Red-bellied Woodpecker

The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a vibrant medium-sized woodpecker recognized by its striking black-and-white zebra-striped back and wings, and a bright red cap and nape. This stiff tail feather is specially adapted to act as a prop when the bird clings vertically to tree trunks while hammering wood for insects.

Dark charcoal-black background with bold, striking white barring across both vanes and distinctive white spotting near the tip

Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, stiffened rachis, and a small tuft of downy barbs at the base

Strong, dark, stiff, and slightly curved central rachis with densely packed, rigid barbs branching outwards

Stiff, rigid, smooth, and matte finish designed for mechanical durability against rough bark

Tail (rectrix), used as a mechanical prop during vertical climbing and foraging on tree trunks

Bold black and white ladder-like barring, stiff rigid structure, pointed tip typical of woodpecker tail feathers, and clean white spotting

Deciduous and mixed forests, swamps, woodlots, suburban parks, and residential neighborhoods with mature trees

Year-round resident throughout the eastern and central United States, extending south to the Gulf Coast and occasionally into southern Canada

Acts as an important secondary cavity excavator, creating nesting holes used by many other secondary cavity-nesting birds and mammals

Golden-fronted Woodpecker and Downy Woodpecker, distinguished primarily by size and exact barring patterns on the outer tail feathers

Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker actually has only a faint wash of red on its lower belly, which is often difficult to see in the field; its most prominent feature is the bright red head cap.

Woodpecker feathers have historically been used by Native American tribes in ceremonial regalia, dreamcatchers, and traditional clothing

Look near the bases of mature trees in wooded suburban areas or under known roosting sites during molting season in late summer

Good condition with intact barbs, minor wear at the very tip consistent with normal foraging use