Pileated woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

The pileated woodpecker is a large woodpecker of mature North American forests. Diurnal pairs work through big trees and dead wood.

Key facts

Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is an omnivore animal classified as Bird · Piciformes · Picidae.
Primary habitats are forest, with a range across Nearctic.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is pair, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The pileated woodpecker is a large woodpecker of mature North American forests.
It uses mature forest, riparian woods, and wooded parks with large trees.
Typical lifespan: 8-25 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses mature forest, riparian woods, and wooded parks with large trees. Snags and fallen timber are important for feeding and nesting.

Wingspan is about 66-75 cm and weight about 250-400 g. A black body, white facial stripes, bright red crest, and chisel-like bill are distinctive.

Active by day, pairs move through their territory and excavate large rectangular holes. Loud drumming and calls advertise their presence.

It is omnivorous, eating carpenter ants, beetle larvae, fruit, and nuts. Deep excavation in dead wood exposes hidden prey.

Pairs excavate nest cavities in living or dead trees. Old cavities later provide shelter for many other birds and mammals.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Forests with large trees and dead wood support both feeding and nesting needs.