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Pileated Woodpecker Habits
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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
In order 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.
 Designed For Pileated Woodpeckers |
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.
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