Pileated Woodpeckers are large, black-and-white woodpeckers with striking features:
1. Size: They are among the largest woodpeckers in North America. Adults typically measure between 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 centimeters) in length, with a wingspan of around 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 centimeters).
2. Coloration: Pileated Woodpeckers have a striking black-and-white plumage. Their heads are black, with a prominent red crest on the crown for both males and females.
3. Facial Markings: They have white stripes that run from the base of their bills to the sides of their necks, giving them a distinctive "whiskery" appearance.
4. Wings and Tail: Their wings are black, with distinct white markings on the underside, visible during flight. Their tails are black with white tips.
5. Bill and Feet: Pileated Woodpeckers possess a long, chisel-shaped bill used for drilling into trees. Their feet are strong, with four toes, two pointing forward and two pointing backward, which provide excellent grip on tree trunks and branches.
Plumage Variations:
There is some variation in pileated woodpeckers' plumage due to geographic differences:
- Pileated Woodpeckers found in the eastern part of North America have mostly black plumage, with limited white markings on their wings.
- Pileated Woodpeckers in the western part of the continent have more extensive white markings on their wings and sometimes appear to have white backs in flight.
Overall, Pileated Woodpeckers are easy to identify due to their impressive size, striking black-and-white plumage, and distinctive red crest. They are often spotted drilling holes in trees in search of insects and larvae, and their loud drumming sound can be heard echoing through forests across their range.