Pileated Woodpecker

Overview

Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is a species of Woodpeckers (Picidae) in the order Woodpeckers and Allies. A huge crow-sized woodpecker with a red crest and white wing flashes; carves large rectangular holes in dead trees hunting carpenter ants; its drumming echoes through mature forests; inspiration for the cartoon 'Woody Woodpecker'.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Dryocopus; binomial: Dryocopus pileatus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 40-49cm. Average lifespan: 10-15 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.