Centurus carolinus; Print; The red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) is a medium-sized woodpecker of the family Picidae. It breeds mainly in the eastern United States; ranging as far south as Texas and as far north as Canada. Its common name is somewhat misleading; as the most prominent red part of its plumage is on the head; the red-headed woodpecker; however; is another species that is a rather close relative but looks quite different.; 1700-1880