Pileated Woodpecker
Image: sudomir (cc-by)
NamePileated Woodpecker
Common NamePileated Woodpecker
Scientific NameDryocopus pileatus
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)71
Length (cm)44.5
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsMostly black body plumage with bold white stripes on the face and neck. Males have a red mustache stripe, while females have a black one. Both sexes sport a prominent, flaming red crest. White patches are visible on the underwings during flight.
Vocalization / CallA loud, far-carrying, 'wuk-wuk-wuk-wuk' call that often speeds up and rises and falls in pitch. They also produce powerful drumming sounds on trees.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsmature forests, deciduous forests, coniferous forests, mixed forests, wooded parks, suburban areas with large trees
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across much of Canada, the eastern United States, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Identifying Featureslarge size, prominent red crest, mostly black body, white facial stripes, rectangular foraging holes, loud 'wuk-wuk' call
Description
The Pileated Woodpecker is a large, striking forest bird, easily recognized by its prominent red crest and mostly black body. They forage by excavating large, rectangular holes in dead or decaying trees to find insects, particularly carpenter ants and beetle larvae.
