The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a boldly barred black-and-white woodpecker of eastern North America with a bright red cap, though its namesake red belly patch is barely visible. It has a remarkably long tongue — extending up to 2 inches past the bill tip — tipped with a sticky barb for extracting insects. This adaptable species has expanded its range northward over recent decades.
Best time to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker
The best time to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker is January–June, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 121,856 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Red-bellied Woodpecker sightings near you
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