Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Leuconotopicus borealis. Ants, beetles and larvae from longleaf pine bark.
Woodpeckers (Picidae)Red-cockaded WoodpeckerLeuconotopicus borealis
- Scientific name
- Leuconotopicus borealis
- Length
- 7.9–9.1 in
- Weight
- 1.5–1.8 oz
- Nest
- Cavity excavated in a living longleaf or loblolly pine
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 10–13 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Black-and-white barred back with big white cheek patches
- Male has a tiny red 'cockade' behind the eye
- Black cap and nape
Voice
A raspy, nasal 'sklit'.
Diet and feeding
Ants, beetles and larvae from longleaf pine bark.
What do red-cockaded woodpeckers eat? · Best feeder for red-cockaded woodpeckers
Red-cockaded Woodpeckers by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Arkansas | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Florida | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Georgia | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Louisiana | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Mississippi | Year-round resident | March–June |
| North Carolina | Year-round resident | April–June |
| Oklahoma | Year-round resident | April–June |
| South Carolina | Year-round resident | March–June |
| Texas | Year-round resident | March–June |
Frequently asked
What do red-cockaded woodpeckers eat?
Ants, beetles and larvae from longleaf pine bark. At feeders: suet (occasionally, near longleaf pine).
How big is a Red-cockaded Woodpecker?
7.9–9.1 in long and 1.5–1.8 oz.
Do red-cockaded woodpeckers use birdhouses?
No. Cavity excavated in a living longleaf or loblolly pine.
Sources
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.