As one of our largest and most strikingly decorated forest birds, the Pileated Woodpecker is a delight to see and hear.
For those among us of a certain age, Saturday morning cartoons were a special treat. We would wake up early, grab a bowl of cereal and park in front of the television to see what animated adventures lay ahead. In addition to the antics of dogs, rabbits and a pink panther, birds were also stars of the shows. There was a roadrunner, a “chicken hawk,” a talking yellow canary, a wisecracking pair named Heckle and Jeckle and a vocal, well-dressed bird named Woody Woodpecker.
Growing up in the South, it took a few years to learn that roadrunners and yellow-billed magpies were actual birds. Woody Woodpecker, however, was right there in our trees!
In flight, they have a slightly undulating, swimming-type wingbeat. Their drumming and nest-building “chops” are equally impressive; and their “cuk-cuk” calls resonate for quite a distance. A Pileated Woodpecker’s primary diet is ants, supplemented by other insects, and they will visit seed and suet feeders.
Fun Facts
The Pileated Woodpecker’s lifespan is thought to be around 12 years.
How to Identify a Pileated Woodpecker
Bold black and white stripes on the face of this black-and-white, crow-sized bird are highlighted with a flaming red crest. The males have a red stripe behind the bill on their cheek; the females do not.
Pileated Woodpecker Habitat
Forests with mature trees – particularly those containing snags (standing dead or dying trees) and fallen logs.
Conservation Note
While of low conservation concern, leaving snags, stumps and logs will benefit the Pileated Woodpecker and several other insect, mammal and bird species.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over four decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean and seven European countries. She is a contributing editor with BRC magazine and a freelance writer, penning travel and nature feature articles for several regional and national print publications. Angela created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.
Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor
