Watercolor portrait of Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Year-round resident in the Southeast and… Prefers open, semi-park-like landscapes… Uncommon to locally common Raucous Churr-rattle

Learn to identify the Red-headed Woodpecker by ear. Master the "chur-chur-chur-chur" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“chur-chur-chur-chur”

What the Red-headed Woodpecker sounds like

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking, medium-sized woodpecker instantly recognizable by its completely crimson head, snow-white underparts, and glossy black upperparts with bold white wing panels. Its straight-to-the-point lifestyle—fly-catching, nut-hoarding, and noisy territorial defense—makes it one of North America’s most charismatic birds.

“chur-chur-chur-chur”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A harsh, rolling series of up to 19 churr notes delivered at even pitch, used to announce territory and attract mates. Often written as “chur-chur-chur-chur”.
Don't confuse with:The Acorn Woodpecker — acorn woodpecker has a white forehead, black throat, and spotted underparts.

Lessons featuring the Red-headed Woodpecker

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Red-headed Woodpecker's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Woodpeckers Beyond the Drum lesson habitat
Woodpeckers Beyond the Drum
Tier 10 · Going Deeper
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Where you'll hear it

Prefers open, semi-park-like landscapes such as oak savannas, mature orchards, beaver pond edges, pine plantations, cemeteries, and open riparian woods where standing dead trees (snags) are available for nesting and food storage.

Courtship and nesting from late April through July; intensive food caching August–October; partial migration September–November and again March–May; winter flocks form in mast-rich woodlots.

Similar species

Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpecker has a white forehead, black throat, and spotted underparts.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Only the nape and crown are red, not the entire head.

Pileated Woodpecker

Much larger (crow-sized) with a red crest, not an all-red head.

Red-headed Woodpecker sound FAQ

What does a Red-headed Woodpecker sound like?
A harsh, rolling series of up to 19 churr notes delivered at even pitch, used to announce territory and attract mates. Listen for the "chur-chur-chur-chur" phrase.
How do I tell a Red-headed Woodpecker from a Acorn Woodpecker by sound?
Acorn Woodpecker: Acorn Woodpecker has a white forehead, black throat, and spotted underparts.; Range limited mostly to the West; rarely overlaps except in Texas..
When is the best time to hear a Red-headed Woodpecker?
Courtship and nesting from late April through July; intensive food caching August–October; partial migration September–November and again March–May; winter flocks form in mast-rich woodlots.