Pileated Woodpecker
Least ConcernDryocopus pileatus
Visual Identification
Pileated Woodpecker
Appearance
The Pileated Woodpecker is a striking, crow-sized bird with a predominantly black body, white stripes on the face and neck, and a distinctive red crest. Its powerful chisel-like bill and long neck are adaptations for excavating wood.
Males have a red moustachial stripe, while females lack this feature and have a brown forehead. Juveniles resemble adults but have a shorter crest and duller plumage.
Size
Length
40cm to 49cm
Wingspan
66cm to 75cm
Weight
250g to 350g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White Red
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Pileated Woodpeckers inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests across North America, from southern Canada to the eastern United States and parts of the Pacific Northwest. They prefer areas with large, old trees and abundant dead wood.
In the United States, they are found in both old-growth and second-growth forests and have adapted to some suburban areas with sufficient tree cover. Their range has expanded in some regions due to forest regrowth.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,300 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Pileated Woodpeckers primarily feed on carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. They use their long, barbed tongues to extract insects from deep within trees.
Their diet also includes fruits, nuts, and berries, especially in winter when insects are scarce, and they also visit large suet feeders for a free meal.
Behaviour
Pileated Woodpeckers are known for their loud, resonant drumming on trees and their distinctive, rectangular-shaped excavations.
They are typically seen alone or in pairs, foraging on tree trunks and fallen logs. These birds are non-migratory and maintain territories year-round.
Vocalisation
Pileated Woodpeckers are very loud, vocal birds that call and drum on hollow wood to communicate with their mate or discourage intruders.
The most common call is a loud, far-carrying 'cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk', often in series of 3-5. Their drumming is deep and resonant, lasting several seconds. During courtship, they produce a softer 'wuk-wuk-wuk' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Pileated Woodpeckers form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in late March to May. They engage in elaborate courtship displays, including crest-raising, spreading wings, and rhythmic head-swinging.
Both sexes excavate a new nest cavity each year, typically in dead trees or large branches, and the process can take several weeks. The female lays 3-5 white eggs in the unlined cavity.
Incubation lasts about 18 days, with both parents sharing duties. Nestlings fledge after 26-28 days but may remain with parents for several months.
Lifespan
The Pileated Woodpecker typically lives for 9 to 12 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 13 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Pileated Woodpeckers face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forests and maintaining dead trees essential for nesting and foraging.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for loud drumming or their loud 'cuk-cuk-cuk' call
- Look for large, rectangular holes in dead trees
- Scan mature forests with large trees
- Be patient, as they can be shy and elusive
- In the US, check forest edges near suburban areas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Log-cock, Wood-hen
Family:
PicidaePredators
Main predators include hawks, owls, and martens. Raccoons and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Pileated Woodpeckers can live up to 13 years in the wild.
- Their excavations provide crucial habitat for many other forest species.
- A single pair may have up to 17 acres of territory.
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FAQs
Do Pileated Woodpeckers make square holes?
Pileated Woodpeckers often dig rectangular holes in tree trunks. These excavations are good clues to look out for when searching for these impressive birds.
What time of day are Pileated Woodpeckers active?
Pileated Woodpeckers are strictly diurnal. They seem to enjoy their rest, often arriving at their roost long before sunset.
Why are Pileated Woodpeckers important?
Pileated Woodpeckers are important for forest ecology because the roost and nest holes they excavate provide a cozy home for many other bird and animal species.
These birds drill out a new nest cavity for each brood, creating many opportunities for other cavity nesters that aren’t equipped with such a powerful bill.
Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Hylatomus pileatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22681363A92903232.
View source - 4
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher an.
- 3
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website: BBL - Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source