Animal Information

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

Pileated Woodpecker

Range

From southern British Columbia eastward to Nova Scotia. From forested North Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas eastward to the Atlantic coast and northward. Also extends from BC south into Washington and central California and Idaho and Montana.

Habitat

Prefers mature, tall, deciduous and/or coniferous forests of open to dense nature. Will inhabit second growth areas with some large trees. In the last 25 years has been found in suburbs and parks with large, mature trees.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Males are red from their forecrown to the nape of their neck and have red mustaches. Females are only red from their forecrown to their crown and lack red mustaches. Juveniles are more grey with a grayish or streaked throat.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: Mealworms, waxworms, fruits, veggies, low-iron bird pellets and dogfood

Diet in the Wild: Carpenter ants make up most of its diet, but this bird will also consume wood-boring beetle larvae, termites, caterpillars, fruits, berries and nuts.

Life Span

Generally 10+ years

Behavior/Adaptations

These very boisterous birds are usually seen alone or in pairs and are known for their loud call and undulating flight. They often chip out large and roughly rectangular holes in trees while searching out insects.

They usually excavate large nests in the cavities of dead trees and often excavate a new home each year, creating habitats for other large cavity nesters.

Status

No special status but can be affected by habitat loss when large tracts of mature trees are felled in areas.

Classification

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
Animalia Chordata Aves Piciformes Picidae Dryocopus pileatus