RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER/MARLBERRY-2

Male Red-bellied Woodpecker on Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides)
In this image, taken eleven seconds after the first of the series, you can easily see the male's red belly patch that gives him his name. You can also see part of his tongue, which is three times the length of his beak and very sharp at the end, allowing him to spear the insects hidden within tree bark that make up much of his varied diet.

NOTE: This image was a winner in the 2007 Nature's Best Photography/Best Backyards contest and was featured in the 2007 Spring/Summer issue.

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER/MARLBERRY-2

Male Red-bellied Woodpecker on Marlberry (Ardisia escallonioides)
In this image, taken eleven seconds after the first of the series, you can easily see the male's red belly patch that gives him his name. You can also see part of his tongue, which is three times the length of his beak and very sharp at the end, allowing him to spear the insects hidden within tree bark that make up much of his varied diet.

NOTE: This image was a winner in the 2007 Nature's Best Photography/Best Backyards contest and was featured in the 2007 Spring/Summer issue.