Species Profile
Pileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
Pileated Woodpecker
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Log-cock, Wood-hen
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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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Grey
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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
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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