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Bird Sounds: Pileated Woodpecker

A pileated woodpecker on a branch
Image Credit:
Pixabay
Written By: Heidi Stonehill Executive Editor

Can you identify the call of the pileated woodpecker? Listen and learn about this woodland bird.

The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America (after the ivory-billed woodpecker, which is presumed to be extinct). These birds can reach up to 19 inches from tail to tip and sport a wingspan of up to 30 inches! 

The pileated woodpecker gets its name from the bright-red crest on its head. “Pileated,” which comes from the Latin word for “-capped,” ultimately stems from a type of Ancient Greek hat known as a pilos (pileus in Latin).

Pileated Woodpecker

In late winter, the male pileated woodpecker prepares for the upcoming nesting season, which typically starts in April. Using his incredible bill, he hammers out a nesting area in a dead tree and hopes to attract a mate. Once paired, pileated woodpeckers usually hang around their territory throughout the year, defending it from interlopers. Amazingly, they do not reuse their nests from year to year, which makes the hollow an attractive home for other forest dwellers, such as raccoons and owls.

Have you heard a pileated woodpecker in the wild? Add your comments below. Be sure to let us know where you live or where you’ve heard this bird sound before!

Click here to listen to the sounds of other birds! Bird sounds compliments of The Macaulay Library at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 

Bird Sounds

About The Author

Heidi Stonehill

Heidi Stonehill

Executive Editor

Heidi Stonehill is the Executive Editor for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, joining the team in 2001. As such, she manages the content development of the Almanac’s line of wall, engagement, box, and special...

Read more from Heidi Stonehill

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Comments

<span>Brenda Brinkman</span> Sun, 04/06/2025 - 08:20
We used to see them every year in Cumming, GA. We lived in a wooded area by Lake Lanier. One year a couple moved into an old dead tree close to our deck. We were able to watch them that season. It was really cool. As our area grew, their habitat shrank and we stopped seeing them.
<span>Jane J.</span> Sun, 04/06/2025 - 08:09
We see and hear them often here in SW Florida We live at the edge of a wooded area near the Caloosahatchi river.
<span>Susan</span> Sun, 04/06/2025 - 08:00
We have a pair that nests near our house in northern Kentucky near the Ohio river. This past year, they had a baby and we enjoyed watching it grow. They love the suet I put out for my other birds. I am always amazed at how timid they appear. allowing much smaller birds to eat the suet cake while they wait for their turn.
<span>Becca</span> Sun, 04/06/2025 - 07:20
We have a pair in Valdosta, Georgia AND a pair in Del Rio, Tennessee that caused an incredible amount of damage to our log home there. They go after carpenter bees and will not be deterred until the bees are eradicated.
<span>Cindy Rust</span> Sun, 04/06/2025 - 16:52
Glad to know about their liking carpenter bees as they have done a lot of damage to two of our sheds. That must be why I don't see those bees anymore. Wish they likes the large yellow hornets too.
<span>Nancy See</span> Sun, 04/06/2025 - 07:20
We have the joy of seeing them right out our windows in upper New York state.
<span>Mary</span> Sun, 04/06/2025 - 06:56
Horse Shoe, NC.. We have a pair on our property for several years here in western North Carolina...they survived Hurricane Helene. When I first heard them over 25 years ago, I thought someone had lost a tropical bird from its call.
<span>M Kerby</span> Mon, 07/29/2024 - 00:04
Just happened to catch two new to my area today in NW Indiana on the south shore of Lake Michigan. Was able to take a pic before they flew off from the yard into landtrust neighbors next door. Huge and lovely birds. Hope I keep seeing more daily.
<span>Darren Surrency</span> Mon, 05/13/2024 - 19:10
I live in Appomattox, VA. Out in the sticks. We have these birds come through our property just about every evening in the spring. A very impressive bird.
<span>Denise</span> Sat, 04/15/2023 - 05:58
We live in Southeast Texas. We have about 20 heavily wooded acres of hard wood, pine and other types of trees. We have lived here for over 30 years and they are here every year. It always amazes me how hard they peck those trees.