Red-headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
wood

wood

Field Marks
  • Bright red head and neck
  • White breast, belly, rump, and vent
  • Black back and wings with prominent white secondaries visible in flight and at rest
  • Black tail

Habitat

The red-headed woodpecker avoids unbroken forest, favoring open country or at least clearings in the woods. Forest edges, orchards, open pine woods, or groves of tall trees in open country are likely habitats.

Status

A relatively common permanent resident of Atlanta.  Especially easy to find in the spring. One of the most common places to see a Red-headed Woodpecker is at a golf course.