Bird of the Day

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is a very large North American woodpecker.  A lot of the time, it is heard but not seen.  I was lucky enough to get this video of this one in the rain in my backyard.  "Pileated" are known for being very loud.  They drum on trees to communicate as well as let out a loud "Wuk" call that pierces through the forest.  They need a forest that has lots of dead trees where they can peck out insects, mostly their favorite snack the Carpenter Ant.  Pileated Woodpeckers are very important makers of cavities in trees that other birds and animals use to live in and raise their young.

Pileated Woodpeckers are monogamous and tend to keep very large territories.  You might see a pair together but it is rare to see several Pileated Woodpeckers together.  The nesting pair will make a new cavity every year.  They construct the hole in a large dead tree and then chip away from the inside.  The only thing the adults add to the nest is theses shavings.  They have a brood size of 3-5 once a year.

Fun facts about the Pileated Woodpecker

-The male can be identified by the red stripe on his face
-Ants make up 40% to 98% of the diet of a Pileated Woodpecker.
-Pileated Woodpecker make a rectangular hole in trees to find food.

Share your experience with the Pileated Woodpeckers in the comments.