Ashley and Crippen Photographers, Toronto|Corporate Headshots/Executive Headshots 

Birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Found across much of eastern North America, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is common and extending its range northwards. The southernmost part of its range overlaps with that of the Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and the two species have interbred. The Red-belly excavates a nesting hole in a dead tree, fence post or utility pole, which can be up to 70 feet above the ground. Its 4-6 white eggs are incubated by both adults for about two weeks and the chicks leave the nest about 3-4 weeks later, but remain with the parents for some time. The adult bird is a medium- size, heavy bodied bird, with a fairly long bill and short wings. The adult has a pale buff head and under parts with a reddish tint to the belly, a red nape, a black and white barred back and a black tail with barred central feathers. In flight, it shows white wing patches and a white rump. In the male, the red nape extends up and over the head. The Red-bellied Woodpecker eats insects, fruit and seeds and in Florida spears oranges with its bill to suck the juice.