Our bird of the year, as discussed last month, is a threatened species list and is quite rare to see in the wild. But if you do get the chance to spot a beautiful bird that you think is the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, you can verify with these facts!

Although they are called the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, these birds are actually mainly black and white, with a large, bright-white cheek patch and a bold black malar stripe forming the lower border of the cheek. Their name is from the males having a little inconspicuous horizontal patch of red right above their white cheek. This is considered a ‘cockade”, which is partly where their name is derived from! This cockade is formed during the bird’s first year, when juvenile males red-crown patch molt. Female Red-cockaded Woodpecker never develop this red area and are black and white their entire lives. Both sexes have strong horizontal black-and-white bars across their back.

Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are typically robin sized and are usually 8 to 9 inches in length, with a wingspan of approximately 14 inches. They have a short, straight bill and weigh around 1 and ½ ounces. Their wing shape is typically broad, rounded, and their tail shape looks like a wedge.

Furthermore, as mentioned previously here, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are the only North American woodpeckers to nest in live, older pine trees, usually longleaf pine. This can make these birds easy to identify, as in these live tree cavities Red-cockaded Woodpeckers live in isolated clans, with one pair of adults assisted in their nesting by up to four additional birds. This means that if you ever see a cluster of vocal woodpeckers in cavities made in live pine trees it could be very possible you are seeing a cluster of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers! Keep in mind, however, that many other critters use these nests as homes during the cavity’s lifespan so this is not a fool proof method.

Although these elusive birds may be hard to come across, I hope these tips come useful when you come across one, whether it be by accident or a pre-planned birding trip. Either way, feel lucky that you are in the presence of one of our Southern state’s most iconic birds!

Some areas where you may find Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are at Weymouth Woods State Park and Carver Creek State Park. Known nesting trees are marked with white rings and they can also be identified by sap around the nest cavity (that helps deter snakes). These are great clues to locating the birds, but please always remember to keep your distance to avoid disturbing the birds.

Until we see each other again,

Nancy, Wake Audubon Volunteer