The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker that you can find in North America. They have a red crest and a white line running down the sides of the throat. You are likely to see a white color on the wings when the Pileated Woodpecker is flying. Adult males have a red line from the bill throat, while adult females have a black line.

10 Fun Facts about the Pileated Woodpecker

1. Pileated Woodpeckers have long tongues! Their tongues are twice the length of their bills. This long tongue is essential in reaching the insects in holes. It curls around the back of the head between the skull and skin when not in use.
2. They love clinging to trees. Their feathers are strong enough to support the bird as it holds itself on a tree trunk.
3. They have furry noses. This keeps dust and splinters away when pecking.
4. Pileated Woodpeckers are perfectionists. They create perfectly circular or oblong holes.
5. These birds are musicians. They make music by drumming on many objects to attract mates or mark territories.
6. Pileated Woodpeckers live a good life. They live up to 13 years and reside in Canada, parts of the Pacific Coast and the Eastern United States. 
7. They are not picky eaters. Besides eating berries and insects, the Pileated Woodpeckers love nuts.
8. These birds play an important role in the ecosystem. A woodpecker’s nest hole provides shelter to swifts, ducks, bats, owls and pine martens. 
9. Pileated Woodpeckers mate for life. The female lays an average of four eggs at a time. The eggs hatch within two weeks.

The oldest known Pileated Woodpecker lived in Maryland. He was at least 12 years 11 months old when he was recaptured & released during routine banding operations.