Hobbies And Interests
Nesting Locations
Red-headed woodpeckers nest in open areas such as agricultural areas and open woodland not covered by a closed canopy. These birds also prefer to nest in trees that have been burned or that have a number of dead limbs and a lack of bark. Where there are few dead tees, red-headed woodpeckers may nest in other structures such as utility poles. These birds may also nest in a tree that is shared by other animals, including other bird species and bats.
Nest Characteristics
These woodpeckers use their beaks to create a cavity in a tree such as a maple, pine or oak. The birds usually drill between April and July but may begin earlier in warmer regions. The holes that lead into a red-headed woodpecker's nest usually measure less than 2 inches in diameter. The nest may be as low as 5 feet from the ground or as high up as 80 feet. Red-headed woodpeckers do not place any additional material in the cavity nest.
Eggs
The woodpeckers lay eggs between May and August. A female red-headed woodpecker may lay one or two clutches of eggs per year, each containing between 3 and 10 eggs, although an average-sized clutch contains 4 or 5 eggs. Eggs hatch after the the birds incubate them for approximately 2 weeks. Fledglings leave the nest around 4 weeks after hatching.
Re-Use of Nests
Red-headed woodpeckers may re-use the same nesting cavity for a number of years. They also use cavities created by other animals, such as flying squirrels. Occasionally, the red-headed woodpecker will finish excavating a nesting cavity started by another animal. Other species may re-use red-headed woodpecker nests.
Threats to nests
One problem facing the red-headed woodpecker is that their European starlings sometimes take over their nesting hole. These starlings also compete for nesting sites. Predators, including snakes, raccoons and flying squirrels also threaten the eggs and young in nests. Red-headed woodpeckers can be aggressive when defending their nesting sites.