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Melanerpes carolinus
Melanerpes carolinus is perhaps misleadingly named because the most prominent "red" is found on its head, not its belly. The species is most prevalent in the southeastern quarter of the US but does reach southern Canada in the breeding season. This individual is a male.
Backyard balcony (suet feeder) in residential neighborhood, Springfield, Missouri, USA.
Spotted on Feb 26, 2015
Submitted on Mar 28, 2015
4 Comments
Thanks Venus!
nicely done!
Well yes in the first instance. But No Mark, actually that was the only other shot I got on this specimen. But it does illustrate the specialization of woodpecker (Picidae) tail feathers, stiffened and used to lend support in climbing and clinging to trees (and feeders!) for feeding and excavating cavities.
I hope the onset of Spring is cheering you up. Love the 'proof of male' second shot ? :)