The Pileated Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the biggest, most striking forest birds on the continent. It’s nearly the size of a crow, black with bold white stripes down the neck and a flaming-red crest.
Look (and listen) for Pileated Woodpeckers whacking at dead trees and fallen logs in search of their main prey, carpenter ants, leaving unique rectangular holes in the wood. The nest holes these birds make offer crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, and pine martens.
I normally see 4 of these gorgeous birds around my place all summer long. They are easy to find because of their size and they are actually very fast birds in flight. I actually got a couple photos of them flying I will share on tomorrows post.
I photographed this one below in Montana.
The Pileated Woodpecker
24 Replies to “The Pileated Woodpecker”
I love the pileated woodpecker until they choose the flashing on you chimney at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning. Like the pictures.
Lucky you. Nice photography.
Thank you very much Sherry 🙂
I hope to see one some day Sandra – in the meantime I’ve enjoyed seeing yours here.
They are such a cool looking bird and so big. They do prefer the north country and up into Canada.
I think Woody the Woodpecker the cartoon character was based on a Pileated Woodpecker if I am not mistaken … I see the resemblance. 🙂
I think it was. Looks just like it.
Very nice photos. I’ve only ever been able to catch them on my mobile phone. I hear them all of the time, but am rarely able to actually spot one. Well done!
Yes, they are amazing to watch flying in the forest, they go so fast in and around the trees. Very hard to spot for me as well. Occasionally one fly’s over our open space, but not to often.
Beautiful bird. Luded me for years, and then showed up when I didn’t have a tele lens!?!
That is usually how it works for me as well. Always see something special when I don’t have the big lens. 🙂
Is that “Murphy’s Law? 🙂
Yes, yes it is. 😊
Great shots, Sandra!
Thank you very much Kellye 😊 ☺️
🧡🧡❤️❤️🐦❤️❤️🧡🧡🙏
Thank you very much Francine 😊
Yes a beautiful bird Sandra, I love the colouration. Excellent photos and information.
Thank you very much 😊, there is always one pair that stays around our place.
Beautiful woodpecker, the last picture is my favorite one Sandra.
Thank you Rudi, 😊
Stunning bird!
Thank you very much Denzil 😊