Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest living woodpecker found in the United States, unless one believes that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker of the southeast U.S. is still holding on (I do!!!). With the clearing of most of the forests of the eastern U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pileated Woodpecker populations plummeted.  As forests have returned, so have Pileated Woodpeckers.  While preferring areas of old-growth deciduous or mixed forest, they have begun to inhabit second-growth forest as well, and their numbers have increased as they've learned to adapt to a new environment.  Pileated Woodpeckers use their powerful bill to excavate into rotten wood and gain access to their favorite prey item, carpenter ant nests, as well as to feed on wood-boring insect larvae and other insects.

Habitat: Prefers deciduous or mixed forest, but can also be found in conifer forest.  Strongly prefers mature forest with tall trees, and forest clearing was the primary reason for sharp population declines by 1900.  Recently, they've shown some adaptation to second-growth forest.

Diet: Over half of the diet is composed of ants, especially carpenter ants.  Will also feed on other ants, wood-boring insect larvae, and other insects.  Much of the winter diet is fruits, berries, and nuts.

Behavior: Forages for insects in dead or decaying wood by digging and excavating.  Will also climb through foliage for berries and other food items.

Breeding: Possible but unconfirmed breeder in South Dakota.  The nest is a cavity in a dead tree or dead tree branch.  The female lays between 3 and 5 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them.  After the eggs hatch, both parents feed the young.  Young typically leave the nest after about 4 weeks, but will stay with the parents for several additional weeks.

Song: Pileated Woodpecker song

Migration: A permanent resident throughout its range, but individual birds may wander widely.

Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Pileated Woodpecker sightings

Similar Species: Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Feeders: Will attend feeders for suet and nutmeats.

Conservation Status: Currently expanding in numbers and possibly in range after a severe decline by 1900.  The IUCN lists the Pileated Woodpecker as a species of "Least Concern".

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Pileated Woodpecker

2) WhatBird - Pileated Woodpecker

3) Audubon Guide - Pileated Woodpecker

Photo Information: Photo taken on October 27th, 2012 - DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska - Terry Sohl