Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Flight call description A strident, often downward-arched "queer" (or "qurrr"). In short flights, gives a low, rattle (e.g., "ddrrp") and a husky, growling "jerra".
Fig.1. Missouri April 13, 1989 (Lang Elliott).
Perched bird.
Fig.2. Illinois March 10, 1989 (WRE).
Rattle call from bird in short flight.
Similar species Yellow-bellied Sapsucker's "quay-er" is similar to Red-headed's "queer" but has a unique two-parted quality. See thrush-like calls.
Behavior Nocturnal migrant but engages in redetermined migration and limited resumed migration. Flight call is given occasionally in diurnal and nocturnal migration flight but more often by perched birds during the day.