Red-bellied Woodpecker

A picture from my friend, Kathy Novey.

OK, why is this bird called a Red-bellied Woodpecker? I have yet to see the "reddish wash" of feathers on it's lower belly. Why not call it a Red-headed Woodpecker? Well, come to think of it, that one is obvious - there is already another bird called that and their head is completely red. The Zebra-backed Woodpecker would be an apt name - it's the bird's most distinguishing feature. Maybe if we all just start calling it that, the name will catch on. It doesn't really matter if the bird's common name changes as long as it's scientific name stays the same. Common names are like nicknames - they come and go. There was a time I was known as "Bubba" (glad no one calls me that anymore!)