Dryocopus Pileatus – Pilated Woodpecker

Distinguishing Features – Primarily black; white stripe on side of the head, down the neck, and as accents on wings. Crest red.

Male and female are similar in coloration but the male displays red on the forehead and at the base of the bill.

  • Size – 40.5 – 49.5 cm
  • (16.25 – 19.75 in)

Pilated Woodpecker

Habitat

Established, mature woodlands, primarily conifer stands with standing dead trees.

Nesting

Excavates a cavity in a deciduous or coniferous tree.

Eggs, 3 – 4; white. The incubation period is 17 – 19 days.

Notes

The largest of our woodpeckers. The Pileated Woodpecker’s song is a simple, low-pitched Cuk-cuk-cuk.

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