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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Pileated Woodpecker

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Name

Pileated Woodpecker

Scientific Name

(Dryocopus pileatus)

Why they are special:
  • The largest woodpecker in North America (outside the extinct Ivory-billed).

  • Famous for their loud, ringing calls and powerful drumming that echoes through the forest.

  • Their bold red crest and crow-like size make them a thrilling sight at Felts.
Size and color:
  • A very large woodpecker, about 16–19 inches long with a wingspan of 26–30 inches.

  • Mostly black body with striking white stripes along the neck.

  • Brilliant red crest; males have a red “mustache” stripe on the face.

  • White underwings flash when in flight.
Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident in Florida.

  • Common at Felts and surrounding wooded habitats.
Habitat:
  • Prefer mature forests with large trees, both pine and hardwood.

  • At Felts, look for them near dead snags or along wooded edges.
Diet:
  • Feed primarily on carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae, excavated from dead or decaying trees.

  • Will also eat fruits, nuts, and berries.
Behavior:
  • Excavate large, rectangular holes in trees—sometimes so big they provide homes for other species.

  • Powerful, undulating flight and loud “kuk-kuk-kuk” calls are distinctive.

  • Often seen alone or in pairs, moving deliberately through the woods.
Conservation notes:
  • Populations are stable thanks to forest conservation and adaptability.

  • Presence at Felts indicates a healthy woodland with plenty of large trees.
Best time to see:
  • Year-round, often heard before they are seen. Early morning is best for catching their calls and drumming.
Fun Fact:
  • The cartoon character Woody Woodpecker was inspired by the Pileated Woodpecker’s bold look and raucous call!
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