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Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Above and below: A male Red-bellied Woodpecker at Allen's Fresh, Charles Co., Maryland (12/18/2010).
Below: A male Red-bellied Woodpecker allows a look at its namesake red belly, Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (12/21/2007).
Below: A female Red-bellied Woodpecker in central Indiana (12/2006).
Below: This distant shot shows a young Red-bellied Woodpecker awaiting its ingenious parents' return. With its cool roof, this nesting cavity must be the envy of the woods.
Comments: This common eastern woodpecker is a year-round resident that can easily be found in almost any wooded area. The extent of red on the head is the easiest field mark to distinguish the sexes. These photos also show the rigid tail feathers that help support the birds while clinging. Bottom photo show ingenious nesting cavity selection by a Red-bellied Woodpecker family at Middle Patuxent Environmental Area, Howard Co., Maryland (6/15/2006).