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The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is conspicuous, crow sized, loud, but a beautiful bird of the forest. Also called cock-of-the-woods, it is well known to most people who spend time in the woods. It plays a vital role in breaking up logs and beginning their nutrients to cycle back to grow the future forest. Their nests are used by other wildlife. Their activities can prepare logs in which other insect-eating birds may forage. They are monogamous, so any loss can destroy an entire pair.
They need large old forests. Most nests occur near water (within 150 yards) but this is related to the presence of large trees, not their need for drinking water or aquatic life forms as food. Needs are for high basal area. They too respond to nest boxes.
In the fall they eat nuts and fruit, such as those of grapes, Virginia creeper, wild cherry, and poison ivy. Otherwise they eat mostly insects -- all types of wood borers, ants, moths, flies, etc. Whether they eat land snails is not yet known. Timber stand improvements that deaden trees can provide feeding trees. The bird will forage on down logs. Uncut watershed protection borders (100 feet on a side) is a practice benefitting many forest resources, including the pileated woodpecker.
About 1 pair per 80 acres may be the maximum density.
Preventing hunters from shooting them (educating and providing penalties) is a major way to increase their numbers. The real solution is to provide large areas of unimproved forest. (So-called "lands unsuitable for logging" will often suffice). Wilderness and natural areas provide excellent areas.
Large diameter trees (20 inches or more) are needed in which they may excavate their nests.
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Last revision January 17, 2000.