![]() Much like other species within the Melanerpes genus, the red-headed woodpecker stores food for later months, but it’s the only one that uses a cover of wood or bark to cover its storage cavities. Sometimes they’ll even snack on seeds, grapes, nuts, berries, and small rodents or birds. These birds use their spike-like bills to dig into trees to find hidden insects and larvae, but usually, they prefer to catch flying insects from midair. That, plus the bold checkerboard-like pattern on its wings, make these woodpeckers relatively easy to spot. You might not recognize a red-headed woodpecker when it’s young, but as it ages and the gray feathers on its head begin to turn red, you’ll surely spot a bird of this species. Scientific Name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus.These birds are also known to store food in cavities for later, stocking up for the colder winter months, like other species in the Melanerpes genus. It has a barbed-tip tongue that it uses to catch larvae and worms from the deep crevices in trees, and it can also be found feeding on acorns, nuts, seeds, small birds, and lizards. It’s not unusual to see this woodpecker flitting about in residential areas, perhaps hanging around a feeder filled with peanuts, sunflower seeds, or suet. These woodpeckers also have black and white striped backs and a bright red cap and nape. Though you would expect these woodpeckers to sport crimson feathers on their bellies, their stomachs are primarily white and only display a few flecks of pinkish-red that you’ll only notice if you’re paying close attention. The name of this species is somewhat misleading. It’s quite common to see the red-bellied woodpecker in South Carolina all year long, especially in forests of old oak or young pine. In the eastern region of the United States, including South Carolina, these woodpeckers inhabit both large, standing trees, young forests, and partially wooded residential areas. Holes left by the pileated species are big enough to break a small tree and often attract other wildlife. Unlike other species of woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers dig rectangle-shaped holes in rotten or dying trees to hunt for carpenter ants and other insects to feed on. You’ll recognize a male of this species by the stripe of red feathers on its cheek. This large bird is rather friendly, and if you have a feeder filled with suet, it will visit your backyard often.įeathers on these woodpeckers are mostly black, except for the white stripes on their faces and necks and bright red crests. Pileated woodpeckers are known for a lot, but mostly for being the inspiration behind the famous and beloved cartoon character, Woody Woodpecker. Unlike other woodpeckers, the northern flicker is most commonly found on the ground or atop fallen branches or logs, searching for ant colonies and the occasional bit of plant matter to feed on. When it’s in flight, pay close attention to its wings, and you’ll see the yellow flash of color that gives the yellow-shafted flicker its name. ![]() This large brown bird is slightly larger than other woodpeckers and features black-scalloped markings on its back and wings. You can easily find the yellow-shafted northern flicker, or common flicker, next to the residential areas of South Carolina, and with a bit of luck and a bird feeder, you just might see one or two of these rather friendly birds in your backyard. ![]() Read on to find out all you need to know about these beautiful birds! Northern Flicker ![]() Nature-lovers of all ages will enjoy strolling through the South Carolina woods and observing the wildlife in its natural habitat, including 424 species of birds, four of which are already extinct.Īmateur and seasoned birdwatchers alike will especially enjoy searching the 8 species of woodpeckers that call South Carolina home, and luckily for you, we’ve got the lowdown on all of them. ![]() But the southeastern state has more to offer than just historical significance it’s also filled with beautiful natural scenery for both state residents and tourists to explore. South Carolina has quite a full history from the role it played in the Civil War, to being the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1788. ![]()
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