Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
PICIDAE Members: Red-bellied Woodpecker 355
General Comments
Unlike the Red-headed Woodpecker, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is essentially a nonmigratory species that is much more common and easily found across the state. Even so, it is not common in much of the mountain region, especially above 3,500 feet. Thankfully, its numbers have not been impacted by European Starlings, and this woodpecker is every bit as numerous now, if not more so, than it was 100 years ago. Red-bellieds are widespread in mature and fairly mature forests and wooded areas of many types -- upland hardwoods, wooded residential areas, bottomlands and swamps, and pine stands -- though it favors hardwoods over pines. They are common in cities and towns and occur in most wooded yards, often frequenting bird feeders.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Permanent resident, essentially nonmigratory, though some evidence of migrants can be seen along the coast in fall. Common essentially throughout, though much less numerous on the immediate coast (barrier islands). However, it does occur where suitable forested habitat is present along the coast. Peak counts:
Piedmont
Permanent resident. Common essentially throughout, though somewhat less numerous in foothill ranges; migratory movements generally not detectable. Peak counts:
Mountain
Permanent resident, with some migratory movements detectable. Fairly common all year at lower elevations, up to about 3,000 feet; uncommon to about 4,000 feet; above that elevation, primarily a rare to uncommon fall visitor, and not known to breed. Considered to be on the increase in the mountains in recent decades. Peak counts: 6, Carvers Gap (Roan Mountain), 29 Sep 2002.
Finding Tips
None needed over the Piedmont and most of the Coastal Plain -- very difficult to miss in a day of birding there.