Watercolor portrait of Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus
Year-round resident throughout most of e… Extensive mature deciduous, coniferous,… Common Drumming Display

Learn to identify the Pileated Woodpecker by ear. Master the "Slow, deep ~3-sec roll that fades out" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“Slow, deep ~3-sec roll that fades out”

What the Pileated Woodpecker sounds like

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker regularly found in North America, roughly crow-sized, with a striking red crest, bold black-and-white plumage, and powerful chisel-like bill used to excavate deep, rectangular holes in trees.

“Slow, deep ~3-sec roll that fades out”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Both sexes drum rapidly on resonant dead trees to proclaim territory. Drumming sequence lasts about 1 second and is repeated every few seconds, louder and slower than other woodpeckers. Often written as “Slow, deep ~3-sec roll that fades out”.
Don't confuse with:The Northern Flicker — smaller, brownish overall with black spots on belly.

Lessons featuring the Pileated Woodpecker

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Pileated Woodpecker's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Woodpecker Workshop lesson habitat
Woodpecker Workshop
Tier 3 · Family Reunion
Woodpeckers Beyond the Drum lesson habitat
Woodpeckers Beyond the Drum
Tier 10 · Going Deeper
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Where you'll hear it

Extensive mature deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests with plenty of large standing dead trees (snags) and downed logs. Also found in suburban woodlots and parks where large trees persist.

Non-migratory. Pairs maintain large territories all year. Courtship drumming and loud calling peak late winter through early spring; nest excavation Feb–Apr; young fledge May–Jun.

Similar species

Northern Flicker

Smaller, brownish overall with black spots on belly.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker (presumed extinct)

Slightly larger with white back and massive ivory bill.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Much smaller; entire head solid red but back and wings show large white patches.

Pileated Woodpecker sound FAQ

What does a Pileated Woodpecker sound like?
Both sexes drum rapidly on resonant dead trees to proclaim territory. Drumming sequence lasts about 1 second and is repeated every few seconds, louder and slower than other woodpeckers. Listen for the "Slow, deep ~3-sec roll that fades out" phrase.
How do I tell a Pileated Woodpecker from a Northern Flicker by sound?
Northern Flicker: Smaller, brownish overall with black spots on belly.; White rump visible in flight; lacks bright red crest.; Undulating flight pattern unlike direct crow-like flight of Pileated..
When is the best time to hear a Pileated Woodpecker?
Non-migratory. Pairs maintain large territories all year. Courtship drumming and loud calling peak late winter through early spring; nest excavation Feb–Apr; young fledge May–Jun.