{"id":645,"date":"2017-10-27T18:27:04","date_gmt":"2017-10-27T18:27:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/?p=645"},"modified":"2017-11-28T17:31:21","modified_gmt":"2017-11-28T17:31:21","slug":"pileated-woodpecker-natures-punk-rockers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/2017\/10\/27\/pileated-woodpecker-natures-punk-rockers\/","title":{"rendered":"Pileated Woodpecker: Nature’s Punk-Rockers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dryocopus pileatus\u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n

The pileated woodpecker is North America’s largest woodpecker with the best looking hairstyle.<\/p>\n

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Description<\/h3>\n

These punk-rockers are mostly black with white stripes on the face and a distinguishable red crest on the top of the head. They have a long chisel-like bill and a black stripe through the eye. Like I mentioned before, they are North America’s largest woodpeckers. They have a body of 40-49 cm, 66-75 cm wingspan, and weigh in at 250-350 grams!<\/p>\n

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“Who are you calling large?!” Male Pileated Woodpecker looking proud, not giving into the forest’s unrealistic beauty standards.<\/p><\/div>\n

To distinguish sex, males have a red patch on their cheek, and a red crest extending down to the base of the bill. Females on the other hand have white markings down their neck, and a shorter crest.<\/p>\n

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Adult male Pileated Woodpecker with a vibrantly red cheek. No blush needed.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Gorgeous adult female. What she lacks in cheek colour, she makes up for with a perfectly pale neckline.<\/p><\/div>\n

Watch out for imposters! Many species may look similar and cause confusion, especially to novice birders.<\/p>\n

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Hairy (left) and Downy (right) woodpeckers.<\/p><\/div>\n

These guys are also present in North American forests. Coming in with a body length of 16.5 cm (downy) and 25.4 cm (hairy) the size alone is enough to rule them out. They are also commonly confused as “babies”- stay tuned for more info on juvenile Pileateds.<\/p>\n

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Red-breasted sapsucker<\/p><\/div>\n

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This red-breasted sap-sucker may also be mis-identified as our Pileated. Instead of a rocking mohawk, these guys opt for an entire head and breast full of bright red plumage. Go big or go home!<\/p>\n

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Punk-rocker pondering birds.<\/p><\/div>\n

These two share very similar characteristics: cloaked in all black, red crest, often seen “head banging”. The two can be distinguished by the punk rocker’s call of Ramones lyrics and an attraction to studded leather. Who wore it better? My votes for the Woodpecker.<\/p>\n

in-flight identification<\/h4>\n

The Pileated Woodpecker flies in what is referred to as an “undulating flight pattern”.\u00a0The most energy efficient for their body size, they flap the wings multiple times in short bursts, then bring them in to glide for a short rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pileated undulating flight pattern compared to a steady flap of the North American Crow.<\/p><\/div>\n

From below, Pileated Woodpeckers can be identified through the large white patches on the underwing<\/p>\n

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Female in flight<\/p><\/div>\n

From above, they can be identified by small white crescents on the base of the primaries.<\/p>\n

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Male in flight<\/p><\/div>\n

In-flight ID can be difficult for any birder, and the most common mis-identification of Pileated is when they get confused with the North American Crow. Just look for those white patches or a characteristic flight pattern and I guarantee you will do just fine!<\/p>\n

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North American Crow in flight. With similar size and body morphology, it is easy to confuse with a Pileated Woodpecker<\/p><\/div>\n

Sounds<\/h4>\n

The Pileated Woodpecker can be identified by its distinct call, alongside a \u00a0unique “drumming” on the trunks of trees. Not to be confused with the tapping associated with feeding, this drum is utilized by both sexes for a variety of functions including mate summoning and territorial claim. Below are two videos showcasing the calls, as well as this spectacular drum-solo.<\/p>\n