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Red-bellied Woodpecker Another little watercolor, I created this painting by first making a careful pencil sketch followed by relatively quick washes of color. Although named for a red patch on the lower abdomen, its actual reddish belly tinge it is difficult to see in field identifications. Striking birds, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Melanerpes carolinus, have a barred black and white patch on their back. Males have a red crown and nape while the female has only the red nape. This robin-sized woodpecker inhabits open and swampy woodland but visits backyard feeders during winter. These beautiful woodpeckers are common over much of the south, ranging west to Texas and north to Minnesota, Michigan, and Connecticut. Their breeding range recently expanded to include New York and southern New England. The original watercolor is in a private collection but limited edition prints and note cards are available. Click here for availability and price.