| Red-Headed Woodpecker- An Exciting Sighting! |
| Thursday, 10 December 2009 20:02 |
 Recently, local birder, Keith Costley spotted a Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) at Irvine Nature Center. Though these birds have been spotted in some of the surrounding areas, this was the first confirmed sighting on the Irvine property. Red-headed Woodpeckers are among the more rare woodpeckers in this area.
People often confuse the Red-bellied Woodpecker for the Red-headed. While the Red-bellied does have a streak of red down on much of its head, the Red-headed looks like his entire head has been dipped in red paint. When Keith spotted the bird, it was doing one of the things that Red-headed Woodpeckers are known for doing and it unique to them. It was storing its food in a tree cavity. They will collect nuts, seeds, and even insects, and then tucks it away in tree cavities for later. There are a couple others who will do this, but the Red-headed Woodpecker is the only woodpecker who will then actually cover up its food with leaves to protect it.
The Red-headed Woodpecker was spotted in the northeast corner of Irvine’s property. Next time you’re visiting, hike out to try to spot it! Sources: Photo Credits: |
Red-headed Woodpeckers tend to be more aggressive and territorial than other woodpeckers. Not only do they chase other birds out of their area, but they will also push out or puncture eggs in other birds’ nests. They are also much more omnivorous than other woodpeckers. They collect seeds and nuts, but they also eat insects, other bird eggs and nestlings, and even mice! When the Red-headed Woodpecker is storing his cache of insects (they are especially fond of grasshoppers), they actually store the insects alive, wedged in tiny cracks in the wood, in order to keep their food fresher longer. 
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