Late in the morning on March 24, 2025, at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had the chance to watch a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers up close.
Parked quietly on the auto tour road, I spotted them working on a large dead tree. Their bright red heads stood out against the gray, weathered bark—a striking contrast. The pair was busy excavating a nest hole, their strong beaks chipping away at the wood with impressive speed and precision.
I stayed in my truck and watched as they took turns. One would dig while the other flew to a nearby tree and waited. The old tree looked like it had stood through many seasons, and now it was helping start a new one. The woodpeckers moved with steady purpose—every peck was deliberate and efficient.
Red-headed Woodpeckers and Their Role in Forest Habitat
Red-headed Woodpeckers are easy to spot with their red heads, white bodies, and black wings. But they’re more than just eye-catching birds. They play a key role in forest ecosystems. The cavities they create become homes for other wildlife, including small mammals, owls, and songbirds.
These woodpeckers prefer dead or dying trees for nesting, often selecting snags where the wood is soft enough to excavate. Both the male and female take part in building the nest, a task that can take up to two weeks. They usually dig a new cavity each breeding season instead of reusing old ones. Once the nest is ready, the female lays four to seven eggs. Both parents share incubation and later take turns feeding the young.
A Quiet Reminder
The blue sky and soft morning light made the moment even better. It was calm, simple, and a good reminder of how much life the refuge supports.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge continues to be one of my favorite places for moments like this.
I’ve only seen one of these in my lifetime. Beautiful birds. I love the sounds of nature!