My family moved to Miami Springs 35 years ago in 1989. It was life changing. However, I thought Miami Springs was a quiet and serene neighborhood. Yet, on a Saturday morning, I awoke to what sounded like a high speed jackhammer.
“Who the heck is using a jackhammer at 7am on a Saturday…in Miami Springs?”
Finally, this author, a teenager at the time, went to the window to look outside. To my surprise, nobody was using a powertool outside. But there it was again. The sound of repetitive hammering.
“Where is that coming from?” I thought. I was looking and looking and nothing. As my sleepy eyes and ears were finally starting to waken, I noticed that it sounded like something hitting plastic repetitively. That’s when I noticed the culprit. A woodpecker trying to carve a home on the plastic shell of a street light on a block.
My initial anger turned into admiration for the woodpecker. As a kid, I had never seen one in real life. The only woodpecker I’d ever seen was the Woody Woodpecker cartoon.
“Wow. We’ve got real woodpeckers in Miami Springs,” I thought. What a treat.
Now, I know this can be a common sight for many in Miami Springs, but it’s still a special treat to see one. Today, I was able to film this red bellied woodpecker as it was carving a home on a tall palm tree in our backyard. We hope you enjoy nature’s beauty as much as we do.
Now, there are different types of woodpeckers in Florida. This particular woodpecker is a red bellied woodpecker. Learn more about this species below:
Red Bellied Woodpecker Physical Characteristics
- Size: Medium-sized woodpecker; about 9–10.5 inches (23–27 cm) in length with a wingspan of 13–16.5 inches (33–42 cm).
- Coloration:
- Back: Black-and-white barred pattern, giving it a “ladder-like” appearance.
- Head: Males have a bright red cap extending from the beak to the nape; females have red only on the nape and crown.
- Belly: Pale with a subtle reddish blush, often difficult to see unless viewed up close.
- Bill: Long, straight, and chisel-shaped, designed for drilling and foraging.
Habitat
- Found in a wide range of habitats across Florida, including:
- Hardwood forests
- Pine forests
- Swamps
- Suburban areas, gardens, and parks
- Prefers areas with large trees for nesting and feeding.
Behavior
- Diet:
- Omnivorous; feeds on insects, spiders, nuts, seeds, and fruits.
- Will visit bird feeders, especially for suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
- Often stores food in crevices of trees for later consumption.
- Foraging:
- Drills into tree bark to find insects and larvae.
- Also forages on the ground or snatches prey mid-flight.
- Call:
- A loud, rolling “churr-churr” sound, often heard before the bird is seen.
- Known for vocal communication, including tapping sounds when drumming on trees.
Nesting and Reproduction
- Nesting Sites: Excavate cavities in dead or decaying trees or branches.
- Nesting Behavior:
- Both male and female work together to carve out the nest cavity.
- They may also use artificial nest boxes if available.
- Eggs:
- Lay 4–5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 12–14 days.
- Young:
- Nestlings remain in the cavity for about 3–4 weeks after hatching.
- Both parents feed the chicks.
Adaptations
- Agile climbers, using stiff tail feathers for support as they cling to trees.
- Long, barbed tongue helps them extract insects from deep within tree bark.
- Adaptable to urban and suburban environments, often seen in backyards.
Conservation Status
- Population: Stable and widespread throughout its range.
- Threats:
- Loss of mature forests can reduce nesting and foraging habitats.
- Predation by larger birds or mammals, such as raccoons, can impact nest success.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a delightful bird to observe, with its striking plumage and energetic behavior making it a favorite among birdwatchers in Florida.
