Dryocopus pileatus

Description

This is a large woodpecker, approximately crow sized. They have a wing span up to 30 inches. They have a flaming red crest. Males also have a red forehead; females have a black forehead. Males have a red “mustache”; females do not.

Voice

A loud, irregular kik-kik-kikkik. They also have a hurried call that may rise or fall slightly in pitch.

Habitat

They can be found in conifer, mixed, and hardwood forests.

Diet

Carpenter ants, wood-boring beetle larvae, fruit, and nuts.

Range

They are found all throughout the eastern United States and Canada and out west are found along the Pacific coast and the northern Rockies.

Other Useful Information

Pileated woodpeckers stay in pairs for the year and will defend their territory together all year long.

Similar Species

Ivory-billed woodpecker (although presumed extinct).