The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is most closely related to other members of the Dryocopus genus, particularly the Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus) found in Central and South America, which looks very similar but with subtle differences in markings.
16–19 in (40–49 cm)
Length
26–30 in (66–75 cm)
Wingspan
8.8–14 oz (250–400 g)
Weight
About
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is the largest woodpecker species in North America and one of the most iconic. It belongs to the family Picidae, which includes all true woodpeckers. This striking bird is most easily recognized by its bold black-and-white plumage and its brilliant red crest, which gives it a dramatic and unmistakable appearance.
Measuring 40–49 cm (16–19 in) in length with a wingspan of 66–75 cm (26–30 in), the Pileated Woodpecker is nearly crow-sized. Its long neck, powerful chisel-like bill, and loud, resonant call make it one of the most conspicuous woodland birds. In flight, it shows large white patches under the wings and a distinctive undulating pattern typical of woodpeckers. Males can be identified by a red stripe, or “mustache,” running down the side of their faces.
The Pileated Woodpecker thrives in mature forests with large trees, where it carves rectangular excavations in trunks and logs in search of carpenter ants, beetle larvae, and other insects. These large feeding holes are so distinctive that they can reshape the landscape of a forest. In addition to insects, it will also eat fruits and nuts. By creating large cavities, Pileated Woodpeckers provide critical nesting sites for owls, ducks, bats, and other wildlife, making them an important keystone species in forest ecosystems.
Breeding pairs are monogamous and maintain year-round territories. They excavate large nesting cavities, often reusing or modifying them in subsequent years. The female typically lays 3–5 white eggs, which both parents incubate. Chicks hatch helpless and are fed by regurgitation until they fledge after about a month.
Once threatened by deforestation, the Pileated Woodpecker has rebounded thanks to regrowth of forests in many regions. Its size, color, and loud drumming make it a spectacular bird to observe in the wild.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
Plumage:
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is one of the largest and most striking woodpeckers in North America. Its plumage is mostly black with bold white stripes running down the sides of the neck. The wings are black with prominent white underwing patches that are highly visible in flight.
Head:
The head features a brilliant red crest, giving it a dramatic, unmistakable appearance. Males have a red mustache stripeon the face, while in females this stripe is black. The bill is long, straight, and chisel-like, adapted for powerful drilling into wood.
Body:
The body is elongated and muscular, built for climbing and hammering. Its stiff tail feathers serve as a prop when perched vertically on trees.
Size:
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Length: 16–19 in (40–49 cm)
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Wingspan: 26–30 in (66–75 cm)
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Weight: 8.8–14 oz (250–400 g)
Feet & Tail:
As with other woodpeckers, it has zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward and two back) that provide excellent grip on tree trunks. The tail feathers are stiff and act as a brace, supporting the bird while climbing and drilling.
Flight Style:
The flight is strong but undulating, with deep wingbeats followed by short glides. White wing patches flash distinctly during flight, aiding identification.
The Pileated Woodpecker’s imposing size, bold red crest, and loud drumming behavior make it one of the most iconic and recognizable woodpeckers of North America.
Reproduction
Breeding Season:
Pileated Woodpeckers breed from late March through July, with timing varying slightly by region. Courtship begins in early spring with vocalizations, drumming, and mutual displays.
Courtship:
Males and females perform duetting calls, mutual tapping on trees, and crest displays. These interactions strengthen pair bonds. Pairs are monogamous and often remain together year-round, maintaining the same territory for life.
Nesting:
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Both sexes excavate a fresh cavity each year, typically in large dead or decaying trees.
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The entrance hole is oval-shaped and the cavity may extend over 1 ft (30 cm) deep.
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They do not reuse cavities, leaving old ones for other cavity-nesting species (owls, ducks, swifts, bats).
Eggs:
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A clutch usually contains 3 to 5 glossy white eggs.
Incubation:
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Lasts 15 to 18 days.
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Both parents share duties, with the male often incubating at night and females taking daytime shifts.
Chick Development:
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Hatchlings are altricial (blind and featherless).
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Both parents feed them by regurgitation.
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Chicks fledge at about 24 to 28 days, though they may remain dependent on the parents for several more weeks while learning to forage.
Maturity:
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Juveniles begin independent life by late summer.
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Sexual maturity is reached at about 1 year of age, though many do not secure territories or mates until later.
The Pileated Woodpecker’s reproductive cycle relies on cavity excavation, strong parental cooperation, and territorial stability, contributing to its long-term presence in mature forests.
Lifespan
In the Wild:
Pileated Woodpeckers typically live 9 to 12 years in their natural forest habitats. However, many do not survive their first year due to predation and competition for nesting sites. Adults that establish territories tend to have higher survival rates.
In Captivity:
With consistent care, absence of predators, and reliable food, Pileated Woodpeckers can live longer, sometimes reaching up to 15 years or more.
Record Lifespan:
The oldest known wild Pileated Woodpecker, recorded through banding data, lived at least 12 years and 11 months.
Threats to Longevity:
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Predation: Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to snakes, raccoons, squirrels, and other birds. Adults may fall prey to hawks and owls.
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Habitat Loss: Dependence on mature forests with large dead trees for nesting makes them sensitive to logging and land clearing.
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Collisions: Strikes with vehicles and windows are occasional hazards.
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Competition: Other cavity-nesting birds and mammals may compete for nesting cavities, sometimes displacing them.
Despite these challenges, the Pileated Woodpecker’s adaptability and large territories have allowed populations to remain stable across much of its range.
Eating Habits
Diet:
The Pileated Woodpecker feeds mainly on insects, with a strong preference for carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. Its diet also includes:
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Other Insects: Termites, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and various larvae.
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Fruits & Nuts: Berries, wild fruits (dogwood, holly, hackberry, elderberry), and acorns, especially in winter.
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Occasional Plant Material: Seeds and nuts supplement the diet when insects are less available.
Foraging Behavior:
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Famous for its powerful excavations, the Pileated Woodpecker chisels deep rectangular holes into dead or decaying trees to reach ant colonies and beetle larvae.
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Uses its long, barbed tongue to extract insects from tunnels.
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Frequently forages near the ground as well as in trees, tearing apart rotting stumps and logs.
Feeding Adaptations:
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Strong skull and neck muscles absorb repeated impact while chiseling wood.
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Zygodactyl feet and stiff tail feathers provide stability when hammering vertically.
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Long, sticky tongue adapted to capture insects deep within wood.
Role in Ecosystem:
The Pileated Woodpecker is an important keystone species. Its foraging creates cavities and openings in trees that are later used by owls, bats, wood ducks, and other wildlife for nesting and shelter.
The Pileated Woodpecker’s specialized diet and foraging techniques make it one of the most ecologically impactful woodpeckers, shaping forest habitats for many other species.
Uniqueness
Largest Woodpecker in Most of North America:
At nearly 19 in (49 cm) long, the Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker species across most of North America, second only to the rare and possibly extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Striking Appearance:
Its bold red crest and loud, resonant drumming make it one of the most easily recognized birds in the forest. The white underwing patches flashing in flight add to its dramatic presence.
Signature Excavations:
Unlike many woodpeckers that make round drill holes, the Pileated Woodpecker is known for chiseling large, rectangular excavations in dead wood. These diggings are so distinctive that they are often the first clue to its presence in an area.
Keystone Cavity Creator:
By excavating deep nesting and roosting cavities, it provides essential habitat for many secondary cavity-nesting species, including owls, flying squirrels, bats, and ducks.
Vocal & Loud:
Its far-carrying “cuk-cuk-cuk” call and powerful drumming can echo through forests, making it one of the most noticeable and audible woodpeckers in its range.
Cultural Impact:
The Pileated Woodpecker is believed to have inspired the creation of the famous cartoon character Woody Woodpecker, further cementing its place as an iconic bird in North America.
The Pileated Woodpecker’s combination of size, dramatic appearance, ecological importance, and cultural symbolism makes it one of the most unique and celebrated woodpeckers in the world.
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FAQ’s
1. What is the closest species to the Pileated Woodpecker?
2. How does the Pileated Woodpecker compare to other woodpeckers?
The Pileated is much larger than most North American woodpeckers, with a body nearly the size of a crow. Unlike smaller species that make small holes, it creates deep rectangular excavations. Its loud calls and powerful drumming make it one of the most conspicuous woodpeckers.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities to see a Pileated Woodpecker?
Pileated Woodpeckers thrive in mature forests across North America. Excellent viewing opportunities include Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina), Olympic National Park (Washington), and Acadia National Park (Maine), where old-growth and mixed forests support healthy populations.
