CINXE.COM
Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Red-headed woodpecker) - Michigan Natural Features Inventory
<!DOCTYPE HTML> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <title>Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Red-headed woodpecker) - Michigan Natural Features Inventory</title> <link rel="canonical" href="https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/description/11077/Melanerpes-erythrocephalus"> <link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/images/favicon.ico" sizes="16x16"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://msu-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/1a1d46b45afb40eda6ebf4ed44077295"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Merriweather"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Didact+Gothic"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Montserrat"> <link href="/assets/fontawesome-free-6.6.0-web/css/fontawesome.css" rel="stylesheet" /> <link href="/assets/fontawesome-free-6.6.0-web/css/brands.css" rel="stylesheet" /> <link href="/assets/fontawesome-free-6.6.0-web/css/solid.css" rel="stylesheet" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" media="screen" href="/js/jquery-ui.min.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" media="screen" href="/js/jquery-autocomplete/jquery.autocomplete.css"> <script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.3.1/jquery.min.js"></script> <script src="/js/jquery-ui.min.js"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://cdn.datatables.net/v/dt/jszip-2.5.0/dt-1.12.1/b-2.2.3/b-colvis-2.2.3/b-html5-2.2.3/b-print-2.2.3/kt-2.7.0/r-2.3.0/rg-1.2.0/datatables.min.css"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/pdfmake/0.1.36/pdfmake.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/pdfmake/0.1.36/vfs_fonts.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn.datatables.net/v/dt/jszip-2.5.0/dt-1.12.1/b-2.2.3/b-colvis-2.2.3/b-html5-2.2.3/b-print-2.2.3/kt-2.7.0/r-2.3.0/rg-1.2.0/datatables.min.js"></script> <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/proj4js/2.4.3/proj4.js"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/openlayers/4.1.1/ol.css"> <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/openlayers/4.1.1/ol.js"></script> <script src="/js/jquery.json.min.js"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/bxslider/4.2.12/jquery.bxslider.css"> <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/bxslider/4.2.12/jquery.bxslider.min.js"></script> <script src="/js/slide-viewer.js"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/css/main.css?v=1.8" /> </head> <body> <div id="wrap-outer"> <div id="wrap-inner"> <div id="header"> <header id="top"> <div id="msu-masthead"> <a href="https://msu.edu"> <!--<img alt="Michigan State University" class="screen-msugraphic" src="/images/masthead-white.svg">--> <img class="screen-msugraphic" alt="Michigan State University masthead graphic" src="/images/masthead-helmet-white.png?v=2"/> <!-- MSU Web Standards indicate the MSU masthead graphic should be printed black --> <img src="/images/masthead-helmet-black.png" class="print-msugraphic" alt="Michigan State University masthead graphic" /> </a> <h1 id="site-title">Michigan Natural Features Inventory</h1> <h2 id="site-subtitle">MSU Extension</h2> </div> <div id="search-wrap"> <form method="post" action="/sitesearch/results"> <label class="sr-only" for="search-text">Search MNFI website</label><input id="search-text" name="criteria" placeholder="Search MNFI..." type="text" /><input id="search-button" type="submit" value="Search" /> </form> </div> </header> </div> <nav> <div id="menu-top" class="menu"> <a id="menu-home" href="/"><img src="/css/images/MNFI_logo_mark_65.png" alt="MNFI Logo" /></a> <ul> <li class="has-sub not-active"> <a href="/services"><span>Services</span></a> <ul> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/services/information-requests">Information Requests</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/services/rare-species-reviews">Rare Species Reviews</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/services/special-data-requests">Special Data Requests</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/services/natural-features-inventory">Natural Features Inventory</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/services/conservation-planning">Conservation Planning</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/services/research-and-monitoring">Research and Monitoring</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/search/login.cfm">Web Database Login</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="has-sub not-active"> <a href="/species"><span>Plants & Animals</span></a> <ul> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/species/plants">Michigan's Rare Plants</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/species/animals">Michigan's Rare Animals</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/species/report">Report an Observation</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/species/definitions-laws">Definitions & Laws</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="has-sub"> <a href="/communities"><span>Natural Communities</span></a> <ul> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/classification">About the Natural Community Classification</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/list">Communities by Name & Group</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/key">Community Key</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/distribution-maps">Distribution Maps</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/plant-lists">Plant Lists</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/glossary">Glossary</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/abstracts">Natural Community Abstracts</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/places-to-visit">Places to Visit</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/communities/video-series">Video Series</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="has-sub"> <a href="/resources"><span>Resources</span></a> <ul> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/resources/county-element-data">County Element Data</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/resources/vegetation-circa-1800">Vegetation circa 1800</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/resources/wetland-change">Wetland Change</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/resources/quaternary-geology">Quaternary Geology</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/resources/michigan-mussels">Michigan Mussels</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/resources/michigan-bumble-bees">Michigan Bumble Bees</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/resources/st-marys-biodiversity-atlas">St. Marys Biodiversity Atlas</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="has-sub"> <a href="/publications"><span>Publications</span></a> <ul> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/publications/books">Books & Educational Materials</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/publications/reports">Reports</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/publications/abstracts">Species & Natural Community Abstracts</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/publications/storymaps">StoryMaps</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/publications/best-control-practice-guides">Best Control Practice Guides</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/publications/annual-reports">Annual Reports</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="has-sub"> <a href="/programs"><span>Projects & Programs</span></a> <ul> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/programs/michigan-bat-roost-monitoring-program">Michigan Bat Roost Monitoring Program</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/programs/community-science">Community Science Projects</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/programs/conservation-stewards-program">Conservation Stewards Program</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/programs/invasive-species">MISIN — Invasive Species</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="has-sub"> <a href="/about"><span>About</span></a> <ul> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/about/our-vision-and-mission">Our Vision & Mission</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/about/strategic-plan">Strategic Plan</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/about/staff">Our Staff</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/publications/annual-reports">Annual Reports</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/about/employment-and-volunteering">Employment & Volunteering</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/about/support-us">Support Us</a></li> <li><a class="has-sub" href="/about/contact-us">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <main id="content"> <div id="section-header" class="species-description"> <h1 id="section-title">Plants and Animals</h1> </div> <script> var eocounty = '{"ROWCOUNT":16,"COLUMNS":["COUNTY","OCCURRENCES","LASTOBS_YEAR","CO_MIRIS","HISTORICAL_OCCURRENCES"],"DATA":{"COUNTY":["Allegan","Barry","Crawford","Ionia","Kalkaska","Lake","Livingston","Manistee","Mason","Montcalm","Muskegon","Newaygo","Oceana","Otsego","Van Buren","Wexford"],"OCCURRENCES":[2,1,3,4,1,1,1,2,1,1,2,2,1,2,1,1],"LASTOBS_YEAR":["2023","2010","2024","2021","2021","2011","2016","2020","2020","2015","2018","2011","2016","2023","2021","2020"],"CO_MIRIS":[3,8,20,34,40,43,47,51,53,59,61,62,64,69,80,83],"HISTORICAL_OCCURRENCES":[0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]}}'; </script> <div id="section-content" class="species-description"> <h1 id="sp-descrip-sname"><i>Melanerpes erythrocephalus</i> <span id="sp-descrip-cname">Red-headed woodpecker</span></h1> <div id="element-photos"> <div class="slider"> <div style="background-color:white"><figure><img style="margin:auto;vertical-align:middle" src="/element-images/Melanerpes-erythrocephalus-5195.jpg" alt="species photo" /><figcaption>Aaron Kortenhoven</figcaption></figure></div> </div> </div> <div id="characteristics" class="description narrow"> <h2>Key Characteristics</h2> <p>Red-headed woodpeckers are a medium-sized woodpecker at 24.1 cm (9.5 in) long. The adults have a conspicuously crimson red head, upper black back, and broad white wing patches. They are one of the more gregarious woodpeckers in Michigan and both their raucous behavior and flashy colors make them one of most easily recognized woodpeckers in Michigan. Juveniles are not as brightly colored but retain the distinctive white wing patches. The call is a far carrying and raising “queek” often accompanied by a raspy “churrrr”. Their drum is rapid and short.</p> </div> <div id="status-rank" class="description narrow"> <h2>Status and Rank</h2> <p> <span>US Status: </span>No Status/Not Listed<br /> <span>State Status: </span>SC - Special Concern (rare or uncertain; not legally protected)<br /> <span>Global Rank: </span>G5 - Secure<br /> <span>State Rank: </span>S3 - Vulnerable<br /> </p> </div> <div id="occurrences" class="description"> <h2>Occurrences</h2> <div id="map"></div> <div id="occurrences-table-wrap"> <table id="occurrences-table"> <thead><tr><th>County</th><th>Number of Occurrences</th><th>Year Last Observed</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr class="odd"> <td>Allegan</td> <td>2</td> <td>2023 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Barry</td> <td>1</td> <td>2010 </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td>Crawford</td> <td>3</td> <td>2024 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Ionia</td> <td>4</td> <td>2021 </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td>Kalkaska</td> <td>1</td> <td>2021 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Lake</td> <td>1</td> <td>2011 </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td>Livingston</td> <td>1</td> <td>2016 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Manistee</td> <td>2</td> <td>2020 </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td>Mason</td> <td>1</td> <td>2020 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Montcalm</td> <td>1</td> <td>2015 </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td>Muskegon</td> <td>2</td> <td>2018 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Newaygo</td> <td>2</td> <td>2011 </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td>Oceana</td> <td>1</td> <td>2016 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Otsego</td> <td>2</td> <td>2023 </td> </tr> <tr class="odd"> <td>Van Buren</td> <td>1</td> <td>2021 </td> </tr> <tr class="even"> <td>Wexford</td> <td>1</td> <td>2020 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.</p> </div> <div class="description"> <h2 class="section">Habitat</h2> <p>Red-headed woodpeckers are residents of open woodlands with widely spaced mature trees. This species typically avoids closed-canopy forest. An original inhabitant of oak and oak-pine savanna systems, red-headed woodpeckers will readily utilize golf courses, country parks, recently burned woodlands, open floodplain forest, and even rural yards with suitable nesting trees. They show a preference for nesting in barkless snags.</p> </div> <div class="description"> <h2 class="section">Natural Community Types</h2> <ul> <li><a href="/communities/description/10713/bur-oak-plains">Bur oak plains</a></li> <li><a href="/communities/description/10658/floodplain-forest">Floodplain forest</a></li> <li><a href="/communities/description/10710/lakeplain-oak-openings">Lakeplain oak openings</a></li> <li><a href="/communities/description/10693/oak-barrens">Oak barrens</a></li> <li><a href="/communities/description/10691/oak-openings">Oak openings</a></li> <li><a href="/communities/description/10692/oak-pine-barrens">Oak-pine barrens</a></li> <li><a href="/communities/description/10694/pine-barrens">Pine barrens</a></li> </ul> <button id="methodology-toggle">Methodology</button> <div id="methodology-text"> <p>For each species, lists of natural communities were derived from review of the nearly 6,500 element occurrences in the MNFI database, in addition to herbarium label data for some taxa. In most cases, at least one specimen record exists for each listed natural community. For certain taxa, especially poorly collected or extirpated species of prairie and savanna habitats, natural community lists were derived from inferences from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois). Natural communities are not listed for those species documented only from altered or ruderal habitats in Michigan, especially for taxa that occur in a variety of habitats outside of the state.</p> <p>Natural communities are not listed in order of frequency of occurrence, but are rather derived from the full set of natural communities, organized by Ecological Group. In many cases, the general habitat descriptions should provide greater clarity and direction to the surveyor. In future versions of the Rare Species Explorer, we hope to incorporate natural community fidelity ranks for each taxon.</p> </div> </div> <div class="description"> <h2 class="section">Management Recommendations</h2> <p>Use prescribed fire to maintain open canopy conditions in occupied habitat. Maintain or create barrens habitat in areas where such habitat occurred historically. Actively remove woody encroachment in barrens. Retain large diameter snags in logged areas. </p> </div> <div class="description"> <h2 class="section">Active Period</h2> <p>Breeding from fourth week of May to first week of July</p> </div> <div id="survey-methods" class="description"> <h2 class="section">Survey Methods</h2> <h3>Meander search or point count</h3> <p>Survey Period: From fourth week of May to second week of July</p> <p> Time of Day: Morning (after sunrise)<br> </p> </div> <div id="references" class="description"> <h2 class="section">References</h2> <h3>Survey References</h3> <ul> <li>Bibby, C.J., N.D. Burgess, and D.A. Hill. 1992. Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press, New York.</li> </ul> <h3>Technical References</h3> <ul> <li>Bent, A.C. 1939. Smithsonian Institution United States National Museum Bulletin 174. Life Histories of North American Woodpeckers. Order Piciformes. United States Government Printing Office Washington. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Brewer, R., G. A. McPeek, and R. J. Adams Jr., eds. 1991. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Michigan. Michigan State University Press, East Lansing. 650pp.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <script> $(document).ready(function(){ $( "#methodology-toggle" ).button({ icon: "ui-icon-triangle-1-s" }); $( "#methodology-toggle" ).on("click", function(e){ e.preventDefault(); $(this).children().toggleClass("ui-icon-triangle-1-s ui-icon-triangle-1-n"); $( "#methodology-text" ).slideToggle("fast"); }); $("#occurrences-table").DataTable({ paging: false, info: false, searching: false, scrollY: 450, autoWidth: true, columns: [ {title: "County", className: "text-left-align" }, {title: "Occurrences", className: "number-right-align" }, {title: "Year Last Observed", className: "number-right-align" } ], "language": {"emptyTable": "No known occurrences"} }); $('.slider').bxSlider({ captions: true, slideWidth: 350, slideHeight: 350 }); }); proj4.defs("EPSG:3078","+proj=omerc +lat_0=45.30916666666666 +lonc=-86 +alpha=337.25556 +k=0.9996 +x_0=2546731.496 +y_0=-4354009.816 +no_uoff +gamma=337.25556 +ellps=GRS80 +towgs84=0,0,0,0,0,0,0 +units=m +no_defs"); var projectionMichGeoRef = ol.proj.get("EPSG:3078"); projectionMichGeoRef.setExtent([154193.744177, 128062.905669, 792257.259494, 862662.270712]); var countySource = new ol.source.Vector({ url: "/data/county-polys.txt", format: new ol.format.GeoJSON({ projection: projectionMichGeoRef, defaultDataProjection: projectionMichGeoRef }) }); var countyLayer = new ol.layer.Vector({ source: countySource, style: styleFunction }); var defaultStyle = new ol.style.Style({ fill: new ol.style.Fill({ color: [250,250,250,1] }), stroke: new ol.style.Stroke({ color: [120,120,120,1], width: 1 }) }); styleCache = {}; function styleFunction(feature, resolution) { var presence = feature.get('present'); if (presence != 'true') { return [defaultStyle]; } // check the cache and create a new style if its not been created before. if (!styleCache[presence]) { styleCache[presence] = new ol.style.Style({ fill: new ol.style.Fill({ color: "#0A8165" }), stroke: new ol.style.Stroke({ color: [220,220,220,1], width: 1 }) }); } return [styleCache[presence]]; } var view = new ol.View({ projection: projectionMichGeoRef,zoom: 1, center: [490000,490000]}); // var map = new ol.Map({ interactions: ol.interaction.defaults({ dragPan: false, mouseWheelZoom:false }), controls: [], target: "map", layers: [countyLayer], //overlays: [overlay], view: view, logo: false }); var highlightStyleCache = {}; var featureOverlay = new ol.layer.Vector({ source: new ol.source.Vector(), map: map, style: function(feature, resolution) { var text = feature.get('CNTYNAME_M'); if (!highlightStyleCache[text]) { highlightStyleCache[text] = new ol.style.Style({ stroke: new ol.style.Stroke({ color: '#ccc', width: 1 }), fill: new ol.style.Fill({ color: 'rgba(128,128,128,0.1)' }), text: new ol.style.Text({ font: '20px Calibri,sans-serif', text: text, fill: new ol.style.Fill({ color: '#000' }), stroke: new ol.style.Stroke({ color: '#eee', width: 3 }) }) }); } return highlightStyleCache[text]; } }); var highlight; var displayFeatureInfo = function(pixel) { var feature = map.forEachFeatureAtPixel(pixel, function(feature) { return feature; }); if (feature !== highlight) { if (highlight) { featureOverlay.getSource().removeFeature(highlight); } if (feature) { featureOverlay.getSource().addFeature(feature); } highlight = feature; } }; map.on('pointermove', function(evt) { if (evt.dragging) { return; } var pixel = map.getEventPixel(evt.originalEvent); displayFeatureInfo(pixel); }); map.on('click', function(evt) { displayFeatureInfo(evt.pixel); }); obj = $.parseJSON(eocounty); countySource.once('change', function(evt){ if (countySource.getState() == 'ready') { view.fit(countySource.getExtent(),{padding: [25, 25, 25, 25], constrainResolution: false}); countyLayer.getSource().forEachFeature(function(feature) { var code = feature.get('CO_MIRIS'); if (obj.DATA.CO_MIRIS.indexOf(code) != -1) { feature.set('present', 'true'); feature.set('lastobs', obj.DATA.LASTOBS_YEAR[obj.DATA.CO_MIRIS.indexOf(code)]); } },"json"); } }); </script> </main> <div id="menu-footer" class="menu"> <nav aria-label="Secondary MNFI website"> <ul> <li><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="/services">Services</a></li> <li><a href="/species">Plants & Animals</a></li> <li><a href="/communities">Natural Communities</a></li> <li><a href="/resources">Resources</a></li> <li><a href="/publications">Publications</a></li> <li><a href="/programs">Projects & Programs</a></li> <li><a href="/about">About</a></li> </ul> </nav> <nav aria-label="Social media links"> <ul id="social"> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/michiganNFI/"><i aria-hidden="true" title="MNFI on Facebook" class="fab fa-facebook"></i><span class="sr-only">Link to MNFI on Facebook</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mnfi.msue/"><i aria-hidden="true" title="MNFI on Instagram" class="fab fa-instagram"></i><span class="sr-only">Link to MNFI on Instagram</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/michiganNFI/"><i aria-hidden="true" title="MNFI on Twitter" class="fab fa-twitter"></i><span class="sr-only">Link to MNFI on Twitter</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC62QmxRBrqeX-CB-QAXj1Yg"><i aria-hidden="true" title="MNFI on YouTube" class="fab fa-youtube"></i><span class="sr-only">Link to MNFI on YouTube</span></a></li> </ul> </nav> </div> <footer id="footer"> <div class="MSUwrapper light-background" id="MSUstandardFooter"> <div id="standard-footer-MSU-wordmark"> <a href="https://msu.edu"> <!-- Use green MSU wordmark --> <img alt="Michigan State University Wordmark" class="screen-msuwordmark" src="/images/msu-wordmark-green-221x47.png" height="47" width="221" /> <img alt="Michigan State University Wordmark" class="print-msuwordmark" src="/images/msu-wordmark-black-221x47.png" height="47" width="221" /> </a> </div> <div id="standard-footer-site-links"> <ul> <li>Call us: <strong>(517) 284-6200</strong></li> <li><a href="/about/contact-us">Contact Information</a></li> <li><a href="/sitemap">Site Map</a></li> <li><a href="/privacy">Privacy Statement</a></li> <li><a href="/accessibility">Site Accessibility</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="standard-footer-MSU-info"> <ul> <li>Call MSU: <span class="msu-phone"><strong>(517) 355-1855</strong></span></li> <li>Visit: <strong><a href="https://msu.edu">msu.edu</a></strong></li> <li>MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.</li> <li><a href="https://oie.msu.edu/"><strong>Notice of Nondiscrimination</strong></a></li> </ul> <ul> <li class="spartans-will">Spartans Will.</li> <li>©Michigan State University</li> </ul> </div> </div> </footer> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_Incapsula_Resource?SWJIYLWA=719d34d31c8e3a6e6fffd425f7e032f3&ns=1&cb=719076301" async></script></body> </html>