Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Feeder Landing
This Red-bellied Woodpecker braces against the feeder like it owns the place, using its stiff tail and strong feet to hold steady while it works the suet. Despite the name, the pale belly blush is usually hard to see; the red cap, barred back, and long probing bill do most of the identification work.
License: Public Domain
Winter Perch
Perched among bare branches, this bird shows the crisp zebra barring that makes Red-bellied Woodpeckers stand out even in muted winter light. They stay active year-round around Lake Koshkonong, moving between feeders, woodlots, and trunk-side foraging spots with loud rolling calls announcing their presence.
License: Public Domain
Trunk Climber
This climbing pose is classic woodpecker behavior: feet set wide, stiff tail pressed for support, and bill ready to probe bark crevices. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are expert trunk foragers, searching for insects, larvae, and hidden morsels while moving with short, deliberate hops.
License: Public Domain
Hidden In The Branches
Partly screened by branches, this woodpecker blends into its own habitat surprisingly well. That ability to freeze against bark or tuck into branching structure helps explain why the species is often heard first, then finally spotted only after a careful scan of the tree canopy.
License: Public Domain
Skyward Profile
Against a bright sky, the Red-bellied Woodpecker becomes a graphic study in shape, long bill, angular posture, and barred wings. Even in simple silhouette-heavy light, the red crown and nape carry enough contrast to make the species immediately recognizable.
License: Public Domain
Bark-Top Pause
Here the bird pauses on a broad trunk, showing the pale face and sleek profile that balance its stronger black-and-white body pattern. Red-bellied Woodpeckers often stop like this between short moves, listening and checking bark texture before deciding where to probe next.
License: Public Domain
In Flight With A Bite
Caught mid-flight with food in its bill, this image shows the species as something more than a trunk-clinger. Red-bellied Woodpeckers fly in smooth undulating arcs, and when they are carrying food like this it often means a quick trip between feeding spots or back toward a hidden stash site.
License: Public Domain
Close At The Suet
A close feeder-side portrait brings out the subtle buff tones of the face and underparts that the common name refers to so modestly. Up close, Red-bellied Woodpeckers look less flashy than some woodpeckers, but the combination of intelligence, boldness, and clean patterning makes them one of the most charismatic backyard visitors in the region.
License: Public Domain
Photo License: Public Domain
All of the nature and wildlife photographs on this page were taken by me at or around Lake Koshkonong. I’ve released every image into the public domain, which means you’re free to download, copy, modify, and use them for any purpose—personal or commercial—without asking permission or providing attribution. Enjoy them, share them, and let them inspire your own projects.