The Red-headed Woodpecker, a visually striking bird, captures attention with its distinct plumage. Adults display an entirely crimson red head and neck, contrasting sharply with their snow-white underparts. Their wings are a bold combination of black and white, featuring large, rectangular white patches that are particularly noticeable in flight, earning them the nickname “flying checkerboard.” These medium-sized woodpeckers typically measure about 7.5 to 9.8 inches (19 to 25 cm) in length, similar to the size of a robin.
The Varied Migration of Red-headed Woodpeckers
Red-headed Woodpeckers do not follow a single, predictable migratory pattern across their entire range. They are considered temperate migrants, exhibiting what is known as “partial” or “facultative” migration. This means that some populations migrate, while others remain in their breeding territories year-round, or only move short distances.
Populations in the northern and western parts of their range are more likely to undertake southward movements, often traveling to southeastern states for the winter. These migratory movements typically occur from late August to early November, with a peak in September. Spring migration then begins in mid-February, peaking from late April to mid-May.
The extent and direction of their movements are variable, often influenced by environmental conditions rather than strict seasonal cues. Some individuals may even move east or west in search of resources. This irregular migratory behavior makes their specific wintering locations variable from year to year.
Why Some Stay and Some Go
The primary factor determining whether a Red-headed Woodpecker population migrates or remains in its breeding grounds is the availability of food resources. Specifically, the abundance of hard mast, such as acorns, beechnuts, and pecans, during the non-breeding season is a strong driver. If there is a plentiful mast crop, woodpeckers often have enough food to sustain themselves and can overwinter at or near their breeding sites.
Conversely, a poor mast crop can trigger significant movements as birds search for areas with sufficient food. This reliance on fluctuating food sources contributes to their “nomadic” or “irruptive” migratory tendencies. While food availability is the main influence, severe winter weather can also play a role, often exacerbating the need to move if food supplies are already scarce.
Their movements are not always long-distance, with some individuals making only short-distance shifts to nearby areas with better foraging opportunities. This adaptability allows them to exploit localized food riches. The decision to stay or go is a complex interplay of current food conditions and environmental cues.
Surviving Winter Without Migration
Red-headed Woodpeckers that do not migrate employ remarkable strategies to endure the colder months. A key adaptation is their extensive food-caching behavior. They are one of only four North American woodpecker species known to store food, and uniquely, they are the only one that often covers their stored provisions with bits of wood or bark.
These woodpeckers gather and hide large quantities of nuts, acorns, beechnuts, and even insects, including live grasshoppers, in various secure locations. They utilize natural crevices in trees, under loose bark, in fence posts, and occasionally even under roof shingles. These caches serve as food reserves that they can access throughout the winter when other food sources are scarce.
This caching strategy allows them to remain in areas that might otherwise be inhospitable during winter, provided there is a reliable supply of storable food. They actively defend these food caches from other birds and animals, ensuring their survival through periods of scarcity.