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Pileated Woodpecker Habits

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest North American woodpecker. Although the Ivory-billed Woodpecker is actually larger, its numbers (Ivory-billed) are such that it is considered near or at extinction.

Description

Measuring 16-19 inches long with a red crest and black bill. You'll find these birds in mature forest with large trees.

The male Pileated has a red patch at the base of the bill whereas the female has a black patch at the base of the bill.

The territory of these birds can be 150-200 acres. Signs of their presence can be detected by lookin for 3-6 inch holes in trees.

Using suet feeders can bring them close up for a good look.

Since these birds eat carpenter ants and the ants tunnel deep into the wood, the birds will excavate a long gash in a tree to retrieve ants.

Mating Habits

To attract mates, the male will drum on trees to advertise his presence to any females in the area. Drumming is also done between mated pairs as part of courtship.

Pileated Woodpecker Nesting Habits

The nest cavity is excavated in dead wood 15-70 feet above ground. The entrance hole is about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. The depth of the cavity is between 10-24 inches deep.

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The female will lay 3-5 white eggs which will be incubated for 15-16 days by both the male and female birds.

The young will leave the nest in about 28 days after hatching.

While not a rare bird, they are quite shy. Listen for a low-pitched drumming that trails off in speed and volume at the end. Follow the sound, and you just may find one.

Enjoy The Video Below

Kevin from Florida shares this video with us. Filmed in Sumter County Florida using Sony HDR-SR11 camera. Title: Pileated Woodpecker in HD Thanks Kevin