red-headed woodpecker

noun

1. a black and white North American woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus, having a red head and neck.

Word History and Origins

Origin of red-headed woodpecker¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

There are 800 to 900 bird species that use this system, Barve says, including red-cockaded and red-headed woodpeckers.

From Popular-Science

"I shouldn't think you needed much teaching," laughed the Red-Headed Woodpecker, tapping the limb with his powerful bill.

From Project Gutenberg

A friend of mine in a Southern city tells me of a red-headed woodpecker that drums upon a lightning-rod on his neighbor's house.

From Project Gutenberg

The Indian replied that he was seeking an arrow lost in a shot at a red-headed woodpecker.

From Project Gutenberg

A Red-headed Woodpecker, carrying a yellow butterfly, flew on a fence stake ahead of them and peeped around as they drew near.

From Project Gutenberg

All the plantations and fields in this part of the country have fences, on which the red-headed woodpecker is frequently seen.

From Project Gutenberg