Gigantic woodpecker gets his share at backyard bird feeder

Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America. Once the second largest, only to the ivory-billed woodpecker which is now extinct, the pileated is a giant among birds. They grow to 45cm (18 inches) and have such a solid bone structure that they can pound their enormous bills into the wood of decaying trees in such a way as to leave a field of debris at the base of the tree.

Nature lovers hiking in a forest or woodlot are likely to see evidence of the pileated woodpecker's work in the form of large holes and shredded tree fibers, as well as chunks of wood in a pile on the ground. The pileated chisels deep holes in decaying trees to get at the larvae of insects that burrow into the trees. Their preferred food is carpenter ants and beetle larvae. This eliminates pests that can threaten trees and it also creates habitats for other animals such as owls.

The pileated woodpecker makes a loud racket as it bangs its large beak against tree trunks, creating a sound that can be heard for a mile or more. These birds often beat their beaks against trees in territorial displays, choosing hollow trees with the best resonance. They can rap their beak against a tree between 11 and 30 times per second.

Weasels, squirrels, snakes and foxes will prey on the young in the nest, but a full grown pileated has few predators except owls and hawks.
The beautiful red crest and impressive size of these birds makes them a very welcome sight at any backyard bird feeder. They will appear daily if they are offered suet.