
The Red Headed Woodpecker is a bird that's native to Arkansas, and it's a real treat to spot one in the wild. They're known for their distinctive red heads and black and white stripes.
These woodpeckers are relatively small, typically measuring around 7-8 inches in length. They have a unique way of foraging for food, using their strong beaks to extract insects from tree bark.
The Red Headed Woodpecker's diet consists mainly of insects, including beetles, ants, and wasps. They play a vital role in controlling pest populations in Arkansas' forests.
In terms of habitat, these woodpeckers can be found in open woods and savannas, typically in areas with an abundance of trees and grasslands.
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Red Headed Woodpecker
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a stunning bird species that can be found in Arkansas. It's easily recognized by its eye-catching red head and neck.
This bird is a common sight in Arkansas, thanks to its black body and wings with white underparts and a white patch at the base of the tail. The Red-Headed Woodpecker's food sources include invertebrates, insects, fruits, and nuts.
The bird is known for its exceptional aerial agility, frequently foraging while hanging upside down. They can be found in open forests throughout Arkansas, particularly in forests with mature trees and minimal understory.
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are social birds, and their chattering calls can often be heard in the areas they live. They are also known for their territorial behavior during the breeding season in May.
Here are some key facts about the Red-Headed Woodpecker:
- Scientific name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Life span: 8 – 10 years
- Size: 19 to 25 cm (7.5 to 9.8 in)
- Weight: 56 to 97 g (2.0 to 3.4 oz)
- Wingspan: 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in)
- Status: Least Concern
The Red-Headed Woodpecker's call is a high-pitched "shrill tchur", which can be heard in the areas they live.
Types and Locations
In Arkansas, you can spot red-headed woodpeckers year-round. They're a common sight in backyards, especially during winter, if you offer suet or citrus on birdfeeders.
Red-headed woodpeckers live in woodlands, parks, orchards, and other forests with dead trees. This habitat is crucial for their survival, as they rely on dead trees for nesting and foraging.
They can be found in various locations throughout Arkansas, making them a great bird to spot while exploring the state's natural areas.
Where to Look

If you're in Arkansas, you're in luck because the state is home to several species of woodpeckers.
To find woodpeckers in Arkansas, look for mature forests with large trees, especially those with dead or decaying wood.
These types of trees provide ideal habitats for woodpeckers to forage for food and construct their nests.
You can also explore on your own by hiking through forested areas and keeping an eye out for woodpecker activity, such as drumming sounds and holes in trees.
The Ozark National Forest and the Ouachita National Forest are good places to start, covering large areas of central and southern Arkansas.
The Buffalo National River, located in the north-central part of the state, is another great spot to see woodpeckers, thanks to its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
The White River National Wildlife Refuge, located in eastern Arkansas, is a wetland area that provides ideal habitats for several woodpecker species, such as the Red-headed Woodpecker and the Pileated Woodpecker.
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Types of

Types of locations to consider for your next adventure include national parks, which cover about 5% of the US land area, and mountain ranges, like the Rockies and the Appalachians, which stretch for thousands of miles.
Some popular types of national parks include those with geothermal features, such as Yellowstone and the Grand Prismatic Spring, and those with unique rock formations, like the Grand Canyon.
Mountain ranges can be divided into sub-ranges, like the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Range, each with its own distinct geography and climate.
National monuments, on the other hand, can be found in various states, such as Arizona and Utah, and are often designated to preserve historic or cultural sites.
Some national monuments are associated with famous figures, like the Petrified Forest, which was once a favorite haunt of Theodore Roosevelt.
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What Do They Eat?
Red-headed woodpeckers in Arkansas primarily look for nuts and seeds to store for the winter, often hiding them in tree bark or holes.
In addition to nuts and seeds, these birds also catch insects as they fly, which is an unusual behavior for woodpeckers.
They're known to cache, or store, their food in various spots throughout their territory to retrieve later, which helps them survive during the winter months.
Red-headed woodpeckers can be seen flying quickly through the air, catching insects in mid-flight, which is a unique aspect of their foraging behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common woodpecker in Arkansas?
The red-bellied woodpecker is the most widespread woodpecker in Arkansas, found in various habitats including deciduous woodlands and suburban areas. It's a common sight in the state, often seen alone along tree trunks and branches.
Do both male and female woodpeckers have red heads?
Yes, both male and female red-headed woodpeckers have bright red heads, necks, throats, and shoulders. This is due to their sexually monomorphic nature, where males and females have identical plumage.
What's the difference between a pileated woodpecker and a Red-headed Woodpecker?
Difference between Pileated and Red-headed Woodpeckers: Pileated Woodpeckers have a red crest and black-and-white stripes, while Red-headed Woodpeckers have a solid red head. This distinctive head pattern is a key identifier between the two species
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