The Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a captivating bird native to the eastern United States, easily recognized by its striking black-and-white striped back and vibrant red crown. Despite its name, the red coloration on its belly is subtle and often hidden, making it a delightful challenge for birdwatchers to spot. These medium-sized woodpeckers measure about 9 to 11 inches in length and boast a wingspan of 15 to 18 inches.
Habitat and Behavior
Red-bellied Woodpeckers thrive in a variety of wooded environments, from mature hardwood forests to suburban gardens. They are particularly fond of deciduous trees near rivers and swamps, where their distinctive rolling calls fill the air. Known for their adaptability, these birds have expanded their range northward in recent years, often seen foraging for insects or caching food in tree crevices for later use.
Diet and Nesting
Their diet is omnivorous, consisting mainly of insects, nuts, and fruits. They are skilled foragers, using their long, barbed tongues to extract prey from tree bark. Nesting typically occurs in dead trees or limbs, where they excavate cavities lined with wood chips. A pair may return to the same nesting site year after year, showcasing their loyalty to both each other and their chosen home.
With an estimated population of 16 million, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is classified as a species of Least Concern, making it a common sight across its range. Whether flitting through the treetops or tapping rhythmically on bark, this woodpecker adds a lively presence to the eastern woodlands.
紅腹啄木鳥（學名：Melanerpes carolinus）是一種引人入勝的鳥類，原產於美國東部。牠們以引人注目的黑白條紋背部和鮮豔的紅色頭冠而聞名。儘管名字中有「紅腹」，但牠們腹部的紅色其實很淡，常常難以察覺，這使得觀鳥愛好者在尋找時充滿了挑戰性和樂趣。這種中型啄木鳥身長約9至11英寸，翼展達15至18英寸。
**棲息地和行為**
紅腹啄木鳥能夠適應多種林地環境，從成熟的硬木林到郊區花園都可見其蹤影。牠們特別喜歡河流和沼澤附近的落葉樹，在那裡可以聽到牠們獨特的滾動鳴叫聲。這種鳥以適應能力強而聞名，近年來已將棲息範圍向北擴展，常常可以看到牠們在樹皮上覓食昆蟲或將食物儲存在樹縫中以備後用。
**飲食和築巢**
紅腹啄木鳥的飲食習性屬於雜食性，主要以昆蟲、堅果和水果為食。牠們是熟練的覓食者，利用長而帶倒鉤的舌頭從樹皮中提取獵物。築巢通常在枯死的樹木或樹枝上，牠們會在其中挖掘巢穴，並用木屑襯墊。一對啄木鳥可能連續多年回到同一個築巢地點，展現了牠們對彼此和選定家園的忠誠。
紅腹啄木鳥的估計數量約為1600萬隻，被列為**無危物種**，在其分布範圍內是常見鳥類。無論是在樹梢間飛翔，還是有節奏地啄擊樹皮，這種啄木鳥為東部林地增添了生機勃勃的氣息。
Citations:
[1] https://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Melanerpes_carolinus/
[2] https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Melanerpes_carolinus/
[3] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/red-bellied-woodpecker
[4] https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/red-bellied-woodpecker
[5] https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/lifehistory
[6] https://backyardwildlifeconnection.com/2016/12/26/ten-fascinating-facts-about-the-red-bellied-woodpecker/
[7] https://a-z-animals.com/animals/red-bellied-woodpecker/
[8] https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Red-Bellied-Woodpecker
[9] https://animalia.bio/red-bellied-woodpecker?property=78
[10] https://abcbirds.org/bird/red-bellied-woodpecker/
[11] https://kids.kiddle.co/Red-bellied_woodpecker
