Wild Species

Piliated Woodpecker - Female

At an average 18" in length, the pileated is the largest woodpecker in Canada. These colossal birds, with their striking red crest and resemblance to prehistoric pterodactyls in flight, are thought to be the inspiration for the once popular cartoon Woody the Woodpecker. As Woody had his loud laugh, pileated woodpeckers also make noise to match their size. Their drumming, reminiscent of construction machinery, can be heard up to a kilometre away.

It is fairly easy to recognize a pileated woodpecker by its large size and the red crest on its head. The body is predominantly black, with thick black and white stripes reaching from the bill to the wing and chest area. The red 'moustache' along the cheek distinguishes males from females.

Pileated woodpeckers usually mate for life. They lay on average 4 eggs, with both partners sharing nesting duties - from building to incubating to feeding. The parents also do their best to protect their eggs and young from predators such as tree-climbing snakes and have even been known to carry the eggs to another nest if the current one becomes unsuitable. The surviving young leave the parents in the fall of the same year.