When we’re walking through a forest or even just chilling in a backyard somewhere in the eastern United States, we might hear a loud, repeated tapping sound. No, it’s not someone hammering — it’s probably the red-bellied woodpecker making itself known!

Though the name suggests a bright red belly, this bird often surprises us with a flash of red on its head instead.

Where Can We Find Them?

We can spot the red-bellied woodpecker (scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus) across the eastern United States — from the sunny south in Florida to parts of southern Canada in the north. They’re year-round residents in these areas, which means they don’t migrate and we can enjoy their presence all year long.

Not the Red-Headed Woodpecker!

Don’t let the name confuse us. While both the red-headed and red-bellied woodpeckers belong to the same genus, they’re very different. The red-headed woodpecker has an entirely red head and a clean black-and-white body. The red-bellied one, though, has a softer, pale reddish tint on its belly (which can be hard to see), and its back shows a bold black-and-white pattern. It’s actually the red patch on its head — especially on the males — that grabs our attention first.

So What Do They Look Like?

Let’s break it down: adult red-bellied woodpeckers are around 23 to 27 cm long (that’s about the size of a long ruler), with a wingspan of 38 to 46 cm. They weigh about 56 to 91 grams — pretty light for all that noise! Their face and underbody are usually light gray. Males have a red crown that runs from their beak to their neck, while females have a red patch on the back of the neck and another above the beak. Their backs, wings, and tails are decorated in striking black-and-white stripes.

Let’s Talk About That Noise

These birds are not shy — especially when it comes to making sound. We’ll often hear their sharp, chattering calls that sound like “churr-churr” or “thrraa-thrraa.” They even mix in some mechanical-sounding “brrr” noises. Both males and females call out, but males tend to be more active, especially during mating season. To get a mate’s attention, they’ll tap six times in a row on anything that echoes: tree trunks, gutters, rooftops, even transformers!

Baby Bird Talk

Ever heard a sound like “pree-pree-pree” in the trees? That’s probably a baby red-bellied woodpecker calling for food. Even after they’ve left the nest, the little ones keep calling out when they spot a parent. Kind of like a teenager still asking for snacks.

Where Did It Get That Name?

The red-bellied woodpecker’s name has been around for centuries. A British naturalist, Mark Catesby, first described it back in the early 1700s. Later, in 1758, Carl Linnaeus — yes, the guy who named most of the animals and plants we know — officially gave it the Latin name Picus carolinus, based on Catesby’s work. The bird’s current classification under the genus Melanerpes was suggested in 1832 and has stuck ever since.

Anything Special About Its Family?

Yep — it’s a "monotypic species," which means there aren’t any subspecies. All red-bellied woodpeckers share the same core features, whether they live in South Carolina or southern Ontario.

When’s the Best Time to Spot One?

Since they don’t migrate, anytime is a good time! But if we’re hoping to see them in action — drumming, calling, or feeding their young — spring and early summer are the most active seasons.

Let’s Keep an Ear Out Together!

So, Lykkers, next time we’re outside and hear something knocking on metal or wood, let’s pause and look up. We just might spot a red-bellied woodpecker showing off its rhythm and colors. Got a photo or a story about spotting one? Share it with us — we’d love to hear it!