Have you ever caught a glimpse of a majestic bird with a striking red crest, the size of a crow, busily pecking away at a tree? If so, you’ve likely encountered the Pileated Woodpecker, a fascinating species that deserves a spot on your list of favorite birds.
As the largest woodpecker in North America, the Pileated Woodpecker boasts an impressive array of characteristics that make it a one-of-a-kind creature.
Here are the top 10 reasons why the Pileated Woodpecker deserves a special place in your heart as your newfound favorite bird.
1. Impressive Size
The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest living woodpecker in North America, nearly three times taller than the petite Downy Woodpecker. They have an impressive wingspan of up to 29 inches, making them a sight to behold in the wild.
2. Resilient Population
The Pileated Woodpecker population began to bounce back in the 1920s thanks to government protection and the regrowth of forests. These birds adapted well to living in suburban and urban areas. Since the 1960s, their numbers have been steadily increasing, and today there are around 2.6 million woodpeckers (ref).
3. Adaptable Feathery Friends
Pileated Woodpecker pairs used to need a huge area (300 to 900 acres) to raise their nestlings, especially in the Western regions. But nowadays, some pairs can successfully raise their young on smaller plots of land, as little as 150 acres.
4. Snag Specialists
They build their nests mainly in standing dead trees called “snags.” These snags serve as the woodpeckers’ home, nursery, and food source. Pileated Woodpeckers like forests with big, old trees—both deciduous and coniferous—because they can create roomy nest cavities in them. Interestingly, they’ll even use a dead limb on a living tree or a utility pole to adapt and survive in urban areas.
5. Building Birds
Pileated Woodpeckers are like skilled carpenters. They create their own nest cavities by digging into dead trees. These nest holes have a single entrance and are quite spacious—usually around 21 cm wide and 51 cm deep (ref).
6. Flashy Red Crests
They get their name from the bright red crest on its head. Both males and females have striking red crests, but the male’s extends farther toward its bill.
7. Territorial Defenders
These birds fiercely protect their territory year-round using vocalizations and drumming. This behavior helps them attract mates and maintain their exclusive feeding and nesting areas.
8. Ecosystem Engineers
They choose trees for nesting that are starting to decay inside but still have strong wood. As a result, their nest cavities are bigger and more structurally sound than those of other woodpeckers that use tree holes.
9. Urban Survivors
Pileated Woodpeckers are surprisingly adaptable to human-altered landscapes. They thrive in suburban and urban areas as long as there are enough mature trees and snags for nesting and feeding.
10. Gateway Birds
The Pileated Woodpecker is a fabulous gateway species into birding—especially for young kids. Large and easy to observe without binoculars, the Pileated is native to Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the eastern half of the United States. Its distinctive red crest and striking appearance make it a memorable introduction to birdwatching.
So, next time you hear its distinctive drumming or catch a glimpse of its vibrant red crest, remember the 10 reasons why this remarkable bird should be your new favorite.
Don’t Miss These:
Hummingbirds Aren’t Just After Nectar—Here’s What They Need
Attract Birds by Transforming Your Yard Into a Mini Nature Reserve
Make Your Garden Irresistible to Hummingbirds With These 5 Tips
Hummingbirds Can’t Resist These 11 Gorgeous Purple Blooms
14 Shrubs That Will Make Your Garden a Robin Haven
Natural Pest Control: Welcome Owls and Hawks to Your Garden
7 Reasons Cardinals Are Icons of Christmas Cheer
7 States Call the Cardinal Their Own—What It Means
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.