Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest living woodpecker found in the United States, assuming the probable extinction of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker of the southeast U.S.  They use their powerful bill to excavate into rotten wood and gain access to carpenter ant nests, as well as to 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.

Song: Pileated Woodpecker song

Migration: A permanent resident throughout its range, but individual birds may wander widely.

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.  

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Pileated Woodpecker

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Pileated Woodpecker"

3) eNature.com: Pileated Woodpecker

Photo Information: Photo taken in Minnesota by Dan Tallman.