Dryocopus pileatus
The Pileated Woodpecker, *Dryocopus pileatus*, is North America's largest extant woodpecker, a striking and unmistakable denizen of mature forests. Measuring an impressive 40-49 cm (16-19 inches) in length with a wingspan of 66-76 cm (26-30 inches) and weighing 250-350g (8.8-12.3 oz), its robust, crow-sized body is predominantly black, dramatically contrasted by bold white stripes on its face and neck, and brilliant white underwings visible in flight. Its most iconic feature is the flaming re...
This species primarily inhabits mature deciduous, coniferous, or mixed forests and woodlands, preferring areas with large, dead trees for foraging and nesting. They can be found from sea level up to approximately 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in mountainous regions.
Their diet consists primarily of carpenter ants, which they extract from wood, along with other insect larvae, termites, and occasionally fruits, nuts, or sap. They forage by excavating large holes into dead or dying trees and fallen logs.
Pileated Woodpeckers are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and their nights roosting individually in self-excavated tree cavities. Their primary foraging strategy involves chiseling distinctive large, rectangular holes into dead or decaying trees and logs, using their powerful bill t...
The Pileated Woodpecker is widely distributed across North America, maintaining a largely resident population throughout its extensive range. In eastern North America, it breeds and overwinters from southern Canada, including much of Ontario and Quebec, south through the Great Lakes region and Ne...
Least Concern
- The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest extant woodpecker in North America, with only the possibly extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker surpassing it in size. - Its iconic red crest and distinctive call are widely believed to be the inspiration for the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker. - They excav...