A Pileated Woodpecker

Yesterday afternoon, driving through the woodland adjacent to my property, I saw a Pileated Woodpecker. It flew across the road and into a tree. You can never mistake this woodpecker for another because of its size and markings. According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “No other living North American woodpecker is large and black with a red crest” (All About Birds web site).

In this photo (by Charles H. Warren), we see a male, who can be distinguished from the female by a red mustache and forehead. Both sexes have the bright red crest; however, only in the male does the red flow down onto the forehead.

In the spring and summer, I often hear the Pileated’s distinctive territorial call (audio file at All About Birds), though in the cold of winter, this woodpecker needn’t be so vocal. But whatever the time of year (the Pileated is a year-round resident), I’m always delighted to see this striking, large bird in flight—its brilliant red-crested head on extended neck and the flash of white with each upstroke of wings: simply stunning.

So keep your eyes open; you never know what you might see!

Until next time . . . happy birding!

Georgia Anne