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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>Kathleen Rush</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 10:39
For the past 2 years I have had the pleasure of not only hearing them, but watching their nests. Both times I was able to watch the babies fledge in late spring. I live in Crestwood, Illinois close to Forest Preserves.
<span>Larry Schneider</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 09:34
We have at least 3 in our woods and have been feeding them at our suet feeder this winter in our front yard in Casstown, Ohio. 3/14/23
<span>Lesley Krieger</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 09:19
I live on the North shore of Lake Erie in a place called Port Colborne Ontario. This morning at dawn I heard the familiar sound of the pileated woodpecker. I could not see him however his call is like non other. Each year I see a couple who visit the trees in my yard. They are stunning.
<span>Rita</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 08:09
We have them on the mountain behind our house in Oldtown, MD. They will sometimes swoop into our backyard to eat whatever the yard birds leave behind. A summer day without the sound of them hammering on the old white oaks across the creek is rare.
<span>Ray Hodson</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 07:44
We live on 20 acres in rural Oklahoma and both see and hear these birds frequently. Reminds me of the old “Woody Woodpecker” cartoon of years ago each time I hear the call.
<span>Nancy</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 07:32
I live in Asheville, NC and while walking the grounds of the Biltmore Estate last spring, we came upon a Momma in the hole of a large dead tree feeing her two babies…It was beautiful! I see them often around our mountain home as well…
<span>Judith Stoma</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 07:28
We live in the town of Belvidere, NJ. There are several large trees on our lot. We have seen and heard pileated woodpeckers in our trees for over 10 years. Beautiful to see and hear, however a tree next to the street was so filled with holes large branches fell in the street and yard. Squirrels and other small birds have taken over what is left. Another is now dead and we are having it removed before it too falls down. Love seeing the pileateds.
<span>Lynn</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 07:17
I believe I have some living in my back yard. I told my husband just yesterday how big the one had gotten since last year when I'd first seen it! I believe there is a baby one there also.
<span>Bob</span> Tue, 03/14/2023 - 06:59
Just saw a Pileated woodpecker on 3/13/23, along side a trail in south central Pa.
<span>Sharon Evans</span> Sun, 12/18/2022 - 09:06
So excited to see one of these big fellas at my new home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin this morning.