This 2¢ stamp replaced the Mary Lyon stamp that was part of the Great Americans set. The Postal Service felt wildlife stamps would be more popular than the older single-color set. The Red-Headed Woodpecker image is based on a painting by Michael Matherly, whose work was used for the American kestrel and Eastern bluebird stamps issued in 1991. The woodpecker used to be a common sight in the central and eastern United States, but has decreased in numbers due to habitat loss.