Pileated Woodpecker

41-51 cm (16-20") Common in southeastern United States; uncommon and local elsewhere. Deciduous or mixed forests, forested suburbs, woodlots.

Red-crested crow-sized woodpecker with a solid black back.

In flight; flashes white underwings. Male has more red on head than female - i.e. red forehead and mustache.

Shy and elusive. Drills long oval holes in trees seeking carpenter ants.

Heard more than seen.

Song: like Flicker's but louder and irregular.

Watch

Pileated Woodpecker distribution map

Pileated Woodpecker winter distribution map

Dryocopus pileatus