Red-bellied Woodpecker

Status Nine records. The first report was of one that made visits to the birdfeeder of Mrs. G. Vye of Middleton, Annapolis County, between 15 November 1961 and 5 May 1962. Its presence was documented on film which was subsequently sent to the National Museum of Canada. Other individuals appeared at Digby on 9 February 1962 (P.D. Weir); at a Kentville feeder between 8 January and 21 March 1968 (B. Eaton, photos); at the feeder of Mrs. Nellie Snyder, Crousetown, Lunenburg County, between 4 December 1968 and 2 March 1969 (many observers, photos); on Brier Island on 24 June 1969 (W. Lent, collected); in Halifax on 14 November 1974 (J. and S. Cohrs); in Barrington, Shelburne County, on 2 November 1975 (V. Sperka); at a feeder in Hampton, Annapolis County, on 28 October 1982 (S. Macdonald et al., filmed); and near Bridgewater on 14 May 1983 (C. Naugler).

Remarks The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a southern species, normally occurring in Canada only in southernmost Ontario, where it is rare. The colour pattern of its plumage is quite striking, and unlike that of any other woodpecker in Nova Scotia.