Pileated Woodpecker

Appearance:

Length: 15.8-19.3 in
Weight: 8.8-12.3 oz
Wingspan: 26.0-29.5 in

This crow-sized woodpecker is one of the largest forest birds in North America. They have a predominantly black body with red and white on the head and white on the neck and wing linings. A conspicuous white stripe runs from above and behind the bill, across the face, down the neck, and under the wings that connects with the white wing linings. The males of the species have a red stripe on their cheeks while it is absent on the females.

Habitat:

Prefers forested areas (deciduous, coniferous, or mixed) with trees large enough to provide adequate roosting and nesting. Often associated with mature and old-growth forests but can be found in younger forests if they contain some large trees.

Behavior:

Carpenter ants and beetle larvae are the primary food sources. They will also eat other insects, fruits, and nuts. Its large, sharp bill is used to remove bark or excavate rectangular to oval cavities in trees, fallen timber, dead roots, and stumps. After removing bark or excavating a cavity to expose ants and other insects, the pileated woodpecker uses its extremely long, sticky tongue to reach prey.