A medium-sized woodpecker species native to North America, characterized by its striking red head and black-and-white plumage. Found in open woodlands, forest edges, and urban areas with mature trees.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Deciduous forests, forest margins, parklands, orchards, and urban landscapes with mature trees across eastern and central United States and southern Canada
Ecological Role
Key insectivore and seed disperser; helps control insect populations and contributes to forest ecosystem dynamics through bark and wood foraging behaviors
Morphology
SKIN COATGlossy black and white feather pattern with bright red head, white underparts, and black back and wings
LIMBS WINGSStrong legs with zygodactyl foot arrangement (two toes forward, two backward) for gripping tree bark, wingspan of 37-42 cm
HEAD SENSORYLarge, robust skull with powerful beak adapted for wood pecking, keen visual and auditory perception for locating insects
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, approximately 20-25 cm long, weighing 70-90 grams, with distinctive black, white, and red color pattern
