Last updated 4/11/96
Non-birders often call Red-bellied Woodpeckers "Red-headed Woodpeckers" because the male's head is bright red from the bill to the nape of the neck. Females have red foreheads and napes, but the crown is a dirty white. Juvenile birds have no red. The sides of the face and cheek are also dirty white.
The namesake red belly is really ony a light red wash on the belly and is rarely visable. Usually the belly will be a dirty white. All birds have zebra stipped backs and white rumps visable in flight. Birds are vocal and male/female pairs will often feed together, calling to each other and flying from tree to tree.
Look for Red-bellied Woodpeckers in Brazos Bend State Park, Horse Shoe Lakes Trail, Jones State Forest, and White Memorial Park
A breeding range map is available form the Breeding Bird Survey
A winter range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count