Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus

Size: 9 1/4"

Male: (Shown) "Zebra-backed" woodpecker with a white rump. Red crown extends down the nape of neck. Tan breast with a tinge of red on belly, which is often hard to see.

Female: Same as male, with red on neck, but with a gray crown.

Juvenile: Gray version of adults, having neither a red cap nor a red nape.

Nest: Male and female excavate a cavity. One brood per year.

Eggs: 4-5; white without markings

Incubation: 12-14 days; female and male incubate

Fledging: 24-27 days; male and female feed young

Migration: The Red-bellied Woodpecker can be found in St. Charles County year round.

Food: Insects, nuts (especially shelled peanuts), fruit, and will come to seed and suet feeders.