Red-headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is an uncommon breeder in the Chicago Wilderness Region, more common to the south, but seriously declining throughout its range. This cavity nester typically breeds in dead trees near marshes or in mature oak savannas and woodlands. Habitat loss, competition with European Starlings, and an increase in managed removal of dead trees are possible contributing factors to this species alarming declines, but more research is urgently needed. Protecting dead trees during wetland and woodland burns may help this species where it still breeds. Photo: Dave Menke / USFWS