Have you ever spotted a bird with an eye-catching splash of red on its head and wondered what it was? You’re not alone. Black and white birds with red heads are some of the most striking and memorable sights you can see in your backyard, local park, or even deep in the wilderness. Their dramatic colors make them stand out instantly against green forests or snowy landscapes.
If you’re a birdwatcher, photographer, or just someone who loves learning about wildlife, you’ll find that these unique birds are endlessly fascinating. Their red crowns aren’t just beautiful — they often serve important purposes like attracting mates or warning rivals to keep their distance. From woodpeckers hammering away at tree trunks to tiny warblers flitting through the canopy, these birds appear across many habitats worldwide.
This guide is here to help you discover some of the most beautiful black and white birds with red heads. You’ll find details about where they live, what they eat, how big they get, and what makes them special. So grab your binoculars, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready to learn about 15+ stunning species that you might just spot on your next outdoor adventure!
Contents
- 15+ Black and White Birds with Red Heads
- 1. Red-headed Woodpecker
- 2. Pileated Woodpecker
- 3. Acorn Woodpecker
- 4. Red-breasted Sapsucker
- 5. Downy Woodpecker (Male)
- 6. Hairy Woodpecker (Male)
- 7. Red-capped Cardinal
- 8. Crimson-capped Woodpecker
- 9. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Male)
- 10. Red-headed Barbet
- 11. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Male)
- 12. Red-crowned Woodpecker
- 13. Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Male)
- 14. Lewis’s Woodpecker
- 15. White-winged Woodpecker
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
15+ Black and White Birds with Red Heads
1. Red-headed Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of the most unmistakable birds in North America. Its striking crimson head shines like a beacon against its sharp black and white body.
Red-headed Woodpeckers are bold and often seen clinging to tree trunks or flying out to catch insects mid-air. They’re also known to stash away food like acorns and insects in tree crevices for later.
Scientific name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Wingspan: 16.5 inches (42 cm)
Length: 7.5–9.1 inches (19–23 cm)
Weight: 2.0–3.4 oz (56–97 g)
You’ll usually find them in open woodlands, orchards, and pine savannas. Their numbers have declined in some regions due to habitat loss, so spotting one feels like a special treat.
2. Pileated Woodpecker
If you hear loud drumming in the forest, it might be the mighty Pileated Woodpecker. These large, crow-sized woodpeckers have a dramatic red crest on their heads that looks almost prehistoric.
Their black body, white stripes along the neck, and the vivid red top make them easy to recognize. They hammer huge rectangular holes into dead trees searching for carpenter ants.
Scientific name: Dryocopus pileatus
Wingspan: 26–30 inches (66–75 cm)
Length: 16–19 inches (40–49 cm)
Weight: 8.8–12.3 oz (250–350 g)
They prefer mature forests and large wooded parks, and if you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’re in for a show!
3. Acorn Woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker looks like a clownish character with its bold red crown, white face, and jet-black back. These energetic birds are famous for drilling hundreds of holes in trees to store acorns for winter.
They live in noisy, cooperative family groups, so where you see one, you’ll likely see many more.
Scientific name: Melanerpes formicivorus
Wingspan: 13.8 inches (35 cm)
Length: 7.5–9.1 inches (19–23 cm)
Weight: 2.3–3.2 oz (65–90 g)
Look for them in oak woodlands of the western United States and parts of Central America.
4. Red-breasted Sapsucker
This striking woodpecker’s bright red head blends beautifully into its red breast, while its wings and back are mostly black with white streaks.
Red-breasted Sapsuckers drill neat rows of holes into trees, feeding on the sap and the insects that come to dine.
Scientific name: Sphyrapicus ruber
Wingspan: 14–16 inches (35–40 cm)
Length: 7.9–8.7 inches (20–22 cm)
Weight: 1.9–2.2 oz (53–63 g)
They prefer forests along the Pacific Coast and can often be found in deciduous woods.
5. Downy Woodpecker (Male)
One of North America’s smallest woodpeckers, the Downy Woodpecker, is easy to spot if you look for the male’s tiny red patch on the back of its head.
These birds are regular visitors at backyard feeders and love suet blocks and peanuts.
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Wingspan: 9.8–12.2 inches (25–31 cm)
Length: 5.5–6.7 inches (14–17 cm)
Weight: 0.7–1.0 oz (21–28 g)
Look for them in woodlots, suburban yards, and even city parks.
6. Hairy Woodpecker (Male)
Often confused with the Downy Woodpecker, the Hairy Woodpecker is larger and has a longer bill. The males wear a small but vivid red patch on the back of their heads.
They drum loudly and forage for insects on tree trunks and branches.
Scientific name: Picoides villosus
Wingspan: 13–16 inches (33–41 cm)
Length: 7.1–10.2 inches (18–26 cm)
Weight: 1.4–3.4 oz (40–95 g)
You can find them in mature forests and wooded suburbs across North America.
7. Red-capped Cardinal
Native to South America, the Red-capped Cardinal is a stunning black and white bird with a vivid red head that looks like it’s wearing a bright helmet.
They’re often found near rivers, swamps, and wetlands.
Scientific name: Paroaria gularis
Wingspan: Approximately 8–9 inches (20–23 cm)
Length: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
Weight: 0.6–1 oz (17–28 g)
These beautiful cardinals are a delight for birders exploring the tropics.
8. Crimson-capped Woodpecker
Found in the Amazon basin, the Crimson-capped Woodpecker sports a brilliant red crown on its black and white body. It often forages in the high canopy, searching for insects.
Scientific name: Campephilus melanoleucos
Wingspan: Approximately 15 inches (38 cm)
Length: 12 inches (30 cm)
Weight: 6–8 oz (170–227 g)
It’s a rare find for those lucky enough to explore South American rainforests.
9. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Male)
Europe’s Great Spotted Woodpecker is a familiar sight with its black and white plumage and the red patch on the back of the male’s head. It’s often seen drumming on tree trunks.
Scientific name: Dendrocopos major
Wingspan: 13–17 inches (34–39 cm)
Length: 9–10 inches (23–26 cm)
Weight: 2.6–3.5 oz (75–100 g)
They frequent woodlands, gardens, and parks throughout Europe and parts of Asia.
10. Red-headed Barbet
In Central and South American cloud forests, the Red-headed Barbet dazzles with its vivid red head contrasting with a black back and white underparts.
Scientific name: Eubucco bourcierii
Wingspan: Approximately 7–8 inches (18–20 cm)
Length: 5 inches (13 cm)
Weight: 0.7–1 oz (20–28 g)
They feed on fruits and insects and are often found perched quietly among dense foliage.
11. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Male)
This bird’s name hints at its diet — it taps trees for sap! The male has a striking red crown and throat, black and white body, and bold white wing patches.
Scientific name: Sphyrapicus varius
Wingspan: 13.4–15.8 inches (34–40 cm)
Length: 7.1–8.7 inches (18–22 cm)
Weight: 1.5–1.9 oz (43–55 g)
They migrate through much of North America, making them a common sight during spring and fall.
12. Red-crowned Woodpecker
Common in Central America, this species has a brilliant red crown and nape, contrasting beautifully with its black and white barred back.
Scientific name: Melanerpes rubricapillus
Wingspan: Approximately 12 inches (30 cm)
Length: 6–8 inches (15–20 cm)
Weight: 1.6–2.3 oz (45–65 g)
They’re often seen in gardens and open forests.
13. Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Male)
Found mainly in California, Nuttall’s Woodpecker sports a small but vivid red patch on the crown for males. Its bold black and white pattern helps it blend in with oak woodlands.
Scientific name: Dryobates nuttallii
Wingspan: 13 inches (33 cm)
Length: 5.5–6.7 inches (14–17 cm)
Weight: 1–1.5 oz (28–42 g)
Look for them drumming away at tree branches.
14. Lewis’s Woodpecker
Unlike other woodpeckers, Lewis’s Woodpecker often catches insects in flight. It has a dark, glossy back, pale underparts, and a beautiful red face.
Scientific name: Melanerpes lewis
Wingspan: 19–20.5 inches (48–52 cm)
Length: 10–11 inches (25–28 cm)
Weight: 3.1–4.9 oz (88–140 g)
They inhabit open pine forests and burned woodland in the western U.S.
15. White-winged Woodpecker
Native to Central Asia, this rare woodpecker has a striking black back, broad white wing patches, and a brilliant red crown.
Scientific name: Dendrocopos leucopterus
Wingspan: Approximately 14–15 inches (35–38 cm)
Length: 9 inches (23 cm)
Weight: 2.6–3.5 oz (75–100 g)
They’re mainly found in riverine forests and mountain woodlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why do some birds have red heads?
Red heads can signal maturity, attract mates, or warn off rivals.
Q2: Are black and white birds with red heads common?
Some, like the Downy Woodpecker, are very common, while others are rare.
Q3: Where can I spot these birds?
Many live in forests, woodlands, parks, and sometimes your backyard!
Q4: Do female woodpeckers have red heads too?
Often only males have red patches, but this varies by species.
Q5: How can I attract woodpeckers to my yard?
Offer suet feeders, peanuts, or dead trees for nesting and drumming.
Conclusion
From forests in North America to the tropical jungles of South America, black and white birds with red heads are scattered across the globe, waiting to be discovered. Their striking colors, unique calls, and fascinating behaviors make them a joy to watch and photograph.
Next time you’re outside, keep your eyes and ears open — you never know when one of these bold beauties might appear. With the right habitat, a good pair of binoculars, and a bit of patience, you can experience the thrill of spotting these charismatic birds up close.
Whether you’re a casual birdwatcher or a seasoned birder, adding these stunning birds to your life list is sure to bring excitement and a deeper appreciation for the colorful variety nature has to offer. Happy birding!
