Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
- HABITAT - Found across North America, the Red-headed Woodpecker's range includes parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It is more common in the central and eastern U.S. They prefer open woodlands, forests with dead trees, orchards, farmland, and even urban areas with mature trees.
- DIET - Their diet includes insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are known for their agility in catching insects mid-air. Red-headed Woodpeckers store food, such as nuts and acorns, in tree crevices or other hiding spots for later consumption.
- FACTS - The Red-headed Woodpecker are getting to be a rare sighting. It is listed as a species of conservation concern in most areas. Habitat loss, competition for nesting sites with non-native species like European Starlings, and changes in food availability have impacted their populations. Preservation of dead trees (snags) and suitable habitats is crucial for their survival.