Pileated Woodpecker
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.
What the Pileated Woodpecker sounds like
Both sexes drum on resonant wood to advertise territory. The roll lasts about three seconds, starts strong, and gradually trails off.
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the Pileated Woodpecker
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Pileated Woodpecker's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.
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Where you'll hear it
Year-round resident throughout most of eastern North America, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of the northern Rockies. Rare to absent in treeless plains and arid Southwest.
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.
How to recognize it by sight
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.
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.