From Opus

Photo by KC Foggin
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA, November 2005

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

[edit] Identification

21 - 24 cm. Red head, blue-black back and white under parts. Wings black with white inner patches. White rump.

[edit] Distribution

Mid- to eastern United States. Summer range extends to the Canadian border, but winters more southerly in the range. Uncommon in northeast.

[edit] Taxonomy

Three subspecies recognized:

• M. e. brodkorbi:
• M. e. caurinus:
• M. e. erythrocephalus:

Photo by etow
Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, Ohio November 2005

[edit] Habitat

Conifer, mixed and hardwood forests, woodlands.

[edit] Behaviour

Prefer open deciduous woods, preferably with plenty of oaks nearby.

[edit] External Links