Pileated Woodpecker

(Dryocopus pileatus)

http://birds.cornell.edu/BOW/PILWOO/              http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/pileatedwoodpecker.htm

Taxonomy:

Species: Dryocopus pileatus

Genus: Dryocopus

Family: Picidae 

Order: Piciformes

Habitat: Older deciduous, or mixed forests. Second growth woodlands with some large trees. Prefers woodlands near streams and rivers. Enjoys large, dead trees as a habitat, and Wooded residential areas.

Distribution: found all through Eastern North America,  East and North of open prairies, arid Southwest, and south of the boreal forest. They are also found in the Prairie provinces of Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.

Identifying Characteristics:

Size: A very large black and white,15" Long

Appearance: Black body, White throat, a white line that from bill to side of neck. A red crest at back of head.

Female: A black malar stripe, and a A black forehead.

Male: A red malar area, and a red forehead.

Diet: Insects, Little fruit, ants.

Facts: When searching for food many small cavities are created in the trees, they listen for ant activity in the tree before they start pecking away. Occasionally hops on the ground.

No Migration

Distribution of Pileated Woodpeckers

Source: http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i4050id.html

Related Site: Shaw creek bird supply http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/pileated_woodpecker_info.htm

Bibliography

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Sources:

Pileated Woodpecker

~ Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, April 3, 2004 <http://birds.cornell.edu/BOW/PILWOO/>

~Moran, Mark, April 3, 2004 <http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/StratfordLandingES/Ecology/mpages/pileated_woodpecker.htm>

~ Nature Works, April 3, 2004 <http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/pileatedwoodpecker.htm>

~USGS, April 3, 2004 <http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i4050id.html>

~ Wild Birds Unlimited, April 3, 2004, <http://www.wbu.com/pics/pileated.htm>