The sword master.


There are bully birds that chase other away from feeders and birdbaths.
Grackles and bluejays are repeat offenders.

There aren't many that will take on a red-bellied woopecker. His sharp, long pointed bill makes him a master at fending off other birds.
Once he's on a feeder he can readily stab at any bully that comes close.

This is a male with the red forehead, cap, and nape.

Melanerpes carolinus

You may occasionally see a Red-bellied Woodpecker flying quickly and erratically through the forest, abruptly changing direction, alighting for an instant and immediately taking off again, keeping up a quick chatter of calls. Scientists categorize this odd behavior as a type of play that probably helps young birds practice the evasive action they may one day need.

The oldest known Red-bellied Woodpecker was 12 years 1 month old.

source- Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

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