Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

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" .

Photo Information

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