Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery

Red-headed Woodpecker Recovery (RhWR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the decline of Red-headed Woodpeckers and supporting their recovery in Minnesota and the Midwest. Established in 2006 as a special committee of the Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, RhWR became a nonprofit corporation in 2024. Its mission is to help restore the birds to a sustainable population through habitat restoration, research, and education.

The organization shares information about Red-headed Woodpeckers, including their distinctive appearance, behavior, and daily lives. Drawing on years of observations and hundreds of thousands of images and videos, RhWR has created special publications that offer an in-depth look at the species. Topics include pair bonding, nesting, egg development, feeding, fledging, and the transition of young birds to independence.

People interested in supporting the recovery effort can learn about the organization, explore its educational materials, and find ways to help, including donating. RhWR’s work combines research and public education with a focus on restoring habitat and improving the prospects of Red-headed Woodpeckers across the region.