08/01/2026
Thanks to Rich W for sharing this reel!
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Species Code: PIWO
The genus name Dryocopus (dry-OCK-oh-pus) is from the Greek drys, a tree, and kopis, cleaver; a “tree cleaver” or “wood cutter”. The species name pileatus is Latin for capped, or crested, in reference to its large crest. The name can be pronounced PIE-leh-ated or PIL-eh-ated.(1)
These birds are so majestic that it is easy to think that they are larger than they appear. In fact, they are crow-sized:
Both Sexes (2)
Length: 15.8-19.3 in (40-49 cm)
Weight: 8.8-12.3 oz (250-350 g)
Wingspan: 26.0-29.5 in (66-75 cm)
Their trademark bright red triangular crest sweeps off the back of the head on top of a long neck.
* ID TIP* : Males have a red “moustache” (similar to Northern Flickers) while females have a black strip on the cheek.
Its bill is about the length of its head and is long and chisel-like which create distinctive rectangular-shaped holes in rotten wood to get at carpenter ants and other insects. These strong bills drum on dead trees as well as light poles, transformers or street light covers, which echo through the forest.
They also drum on dead trees in a deep, slow, rolling pattern, and even the heavy chopping sound of foraging carries well.
* FUN FACT* - Woodpecker tongues are very long - like, weirdly long, measuring up to a third of their total body length, that it needs to be coiled around the back of its skull.This unique characteristic also helps protect the bird’s brain from injury during high-speed pecking.(3)
The nest holes these birds make offer crucial shelter to many species including swifts, owls, ducks, bats, These excavations can be so broad and deep that they can cause small trees to break in half.
(1) www.eastsideaudubon.org/corvid-crier/2019/9/4/pileated-woodpecker
(2) www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/id
(3) abcbirds.org/news/woodpecker-tongues/
