The Red-Headed Woodpecker

The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a lively bird of Eastern forests and parklands. Their striking colors, behavior and willingness to share space with people make them a favorite among many.

Red-heads are key to maintaining diversity. They make numerous holes in dead trees, or dead limbs of live trees, for nesting, roosting and caching food. These holes are used later by many other species of birds and wildlife.

But...numbers have declined 90% in the last 40 years. This decline can be easily reversed by changing how we manage our landscapes.

Our Goal

The goal of Red-Headed Woodpecker Recovery is to reverse the decline and encourage the recovery of Red-headed Woodpecker populations through the creation, preservation, and restoration of habitat, research, and public education.

The group was formed in Minnesota in 2006 in order to serve as a focal point for Red-Head recovery.

The Challenge

Latest Updates

Chet Meyers, Red-Headed Woodpecker Recovery chair, was interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio's Morning Edition for their July 28th broadcast.

Golf courses are typically open, savannah environments, perfect for Red-Heads! If you're a golfer, let us know of any Red-Heads you see. More info here.