Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Visual Identification
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
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Pileated Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Pileated Woodpecker demonstrates remarkable agility in its ability to navigate vertical tree trunks and branches with ease. Its specialised feet and tail feathers allow for swift and precise movements whilst foraging and excavating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With its powerful neck muscles and robust bill, the Pileated Woodpecker possesses exceptional strength for its size. This strength is evident in its ability to create large, rectangular holes in trees and to extract wood-boring insects from deep within timber.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Whilst primarily dependent on mature forests, Pileated Woodpeckers have shown some adaptability by expanding into second-growth forests and even some suburban areas with sufficient tree cover. However, their specific habitat and dietary requirements somewhat limit their overall adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Pileated Woodpeckers are generally not overly aggressive towards other species. However, they do maintain and defend large territories year-round, which suggests a moderate level of aggression, particularly during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Pileated Woodpecker's endurance is noteworthy, as evidenced by its ability to engage in prolonged bouts of excavation and foraging. Their non-migratory nature and capacity to survive in various climates, from temperate to subtropical, further demonstrates their robust endurance.
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.
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
Predators
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.
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
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Hylatomus pileatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22681363A92903232.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher an.
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: BBL - Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source
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