Red-bellied Woodpecker

Description:

A sleek, round-headed woodpecker, about the same size as a Hairy Woodpecker but without the blocky outlines. Often appears pale overall, even the boldly black-and-white striped back, with flashing red cap and nape. Red nape, reddish around base of bill. Gray face, crown, and underparts. Red belly usually concealed by surrounding gray feathers. Look for white patches near the wingtips as this bird flies. A Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly 2 inches past the end of its beak. The tip is barbed and the bird’s spit is sticky, making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices. Males have longer, wider-tipped tongues than females, possibly allowing a breeding pair to forage in slightly different places on their territory and maximize their use of available food.

Habitat:

Riparian area by Lake Lewisville.

Notes:

Last spotting of 2012