The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is common over much of the South, making it’s home in open and swampy woodlands. A small bird of only 10″, it is hard to spot and can usually be found on oak trees, as shown here.
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is similar in size to the Red-Bellied and is often mistaken for the other. Note that the red on this bird covers its entire head. These birds often fly-catch and can be spotted swooping low to catch insects.
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest of the North American woodpeckers at 17″. Despite its size this elegant bird is quite shy and is usually not observed in residential areas. Its presence is most easily detected by it’s loud, ringing call and its large characteristically rectangular excavations in trees.
