Breeding behavior and social system of red-headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)

Although Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) are one of the most easily recognizable species of birds, little is known about their social system and breeding activity due to their monochromatic coloration. In general, Red-headed Woodpeckers are thought to be monogamous breeders and solitary during the non-breeding season, but several anecdotal observations have questioned the role community and family groups play in the life of these species. Also several members of the genus Melanerpes are cooperative breeders. This information further questions our knowledge of this species' breeding behavior. The objective of this study was to determine whether Red-headed Woodpeckers cooperatively breed. The study site for this project was Spring Lake Park in Macomb, IL, which has an extremely high density of Red-headed Woodpeckers. Observations during the 2007 and 2008 breeding season showed that Red-headed Woodpeckers do occasionally cooperatively breed.