The red-cockaded woodpecker is a woodpecker endemic to the southeastern United States. It is a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Region
Southeastern United States
Typical Environment
Most common in mature, open pine savannas and flatwoods, especially longleaf pine ecosystems. It also occurs in loblolly and slash pine stands if an open understory is maintained. The species requires old pines (typically 60+ years) for cavity excavation and depends on frequent fire to keep the midstory sparse. Occupied landscapes are typically in the Coastal Plain and Sandhills with scattered occurrences into the Piedmont. Birds use clusters of cavity trees year-round for roosting and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This cooperative-breeding woodpecker lives in family groups that maintain clusters of cavity trees in living pines. Males have a tiny, often hidden red 'cockade' behind the eye. They excavate nest cavities in old pines softened by heart-rot and maintain resin wells that cause sap to flow, deterring snakes. Their cavities are a keystone resource used by many other southeastern pine-forest species.
Detail of head
Male at nest cavity in longleaf pine
Temperament
social and cooperative
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Lives in cooperative family groups with a monogamous breeding pair assisted by helpers, typically male offspring from previous years. Nests and roosts in cavities excavated in living pines within a defended cluster. Pairs maintain resin wells around cavity entrances, and groups remain faithful to cluster sites across years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, raspy 'sklit' and 'churt' notes and scolding chatter used to keep contact within the group. Drumming is relatively soft and brief compared to some larger woodpeckers.
Plumage
Fine black-and-white barred back ('laddered') with clean white cheeks and pale underparts lightly spotted along the sides.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as ants, beetles, and their larvae, as well as wood roaches and spiders gleaned from bark surfaces. It forages by scaling bark, probing crevices, and picking prey from limbs and trunks. Occasional plant material, including pine seeds and small fruits, may be taken seasonally.
Preferred Environment
Forages on mature pines in open stands with minimal midstory, focusing on older trees with rough bark. Often feeds within the home range around cavity clusters and adjacent foraging territories.
