Pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) are the largest woodpecker species found in most of North America. With their bright red crest, black and white plumage, and loud, distinctive calls, these birds are hard to miss when they are present. Though pileated woodpeckers can be found across much of the eastern United States and parts of the Pacific Northwest, their distribution in Texas is more limited. So how common are these striking birds really in the Lone Star State?
Range and Habitat of Pileated Woodpeckers in Texas
Pileated woodpeckers are resident across eastern Texas, west to the Piney Woods region approaching the Texas-Louisiana border. Their range extends south along the forests bordering the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau to the hill country surrounding Austin. Though locally common within their range, pileated woodpeckers occur only in a relatively small portion of the state. The majority of central, south, and west Texas falls outside the pileated woodpecker’s range.
Within their Texas range, pileated woodpeckers inhabit mature forests with large trees and an abundance of dead and dying trees. This includes deciduous forests, mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, pine forests, and riparian woodlands along streams. They especially prefer forests with tall, old trees for nesting cavities. Pileated woodpeckers avoid more open habitats like grasslands, shrublands, and suburban areas with scattered trees.
Population and Conservation Status
Across their entire range, pileated woodpecker numbers are estimated at over 1 million mature individuals. Within Texas specifically, Partners in Flight estimates a statewide population of 5,000 to 50,000 pileated woodpeckers. Though data is limited, Texas populations appear stable and the pileated woodpecker is listed as a Species of Least Concern by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Pileated woodpeckers face threats from extensive logging and habitat loss, especially the removal of large, old trees. Due to their large size requirements for nesting and roosting cavities, pileated woodpeckers are especially vulnerable to logging of mature forests. Conservation of existing mature forest habitat is critical for maintaining viable pileated woodpecker populations.
Identification
With a body length of 16-19 inches (40-48 cm) and a wingspan around 30 inches (75 cm), the pileated woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers found in North America. They are also easily identifiable by their distinct plumage:
- Bright red crest on the head
- Mainly black body, wings and tail
- White stripes on the face
- White underside of wings seen in flight
Males have a red stripe or “mustache” along the cheek that is lacking in females. Both sexes have a powerful ivory or yellowish bill for excavating wood.
Behavior and Diet
Pileated woodpeckers are adept excavators, using their chisel-like bills to hammer out large, rectangular cavities in dead trees. These cavities are used for roosting and nesting. The entrance is typically a long, narrow horizontal slit or oval. Though mainly solitary, pairs may stay together on a shared territory year-round.
Diet consists mainly of wood-boring insects like carpenter ants and beetle larvae, along with other insects, fruits, seeds and nuts. Pileated woodpeckers use their bills to flake off bark and excavate into dead wood to find insect prey. They also occasionally drill into live trees.
Calls and drumming
The most common call is a loud, rolling series of wuk-wuk-wuk sounds. This distinct call can be heard up to a half mile away. Both sexes also drum loudly on dead trees and branches in a slow, steady series of blows that accelerates slightly towards the end. The drumming serves to establish territories and attract mates.
Breeding and Nesting
Pileated woodpeckers mate for life. Pairs establish a breeding territory that they may occupy permanently or migrate within seasonally. Courtship involves a lot of calling and drumming by both sexes.
Pileated woodpeckers nest in a large cavity they excavate in a dead or dying tree. They may also reuse an old cavity. The entrance hole is approximately 3 inches across and may be up to 40 feet high. Inside, the female lays 3-5 glossy white eggs on a bed of wood chips. Both parents incubate the eggs for 15-18 days. Once hatched, the altricial young are fed by both parents for another 26-28 days until fledging.
Pileated woodpecker pairs typically raise one brood per year. In the southern portion of their range, including Texas, they may raise two broods. Breeding season runs from March to June across most of Texas.
Interesting Facts
- Pileated woodpeckers excavate a new roost cavity every month on average.
- Their cavities provide nesting habitat for many other bird species, like wood ducks and owls, and shelter for bats and other wildlife.
- Though adapted for excavating, the pileated woodpecker’s brain and skull have special protections to avoid concussions.
- A pileated woodpecker pair stays together on the same territory until one dies. Then the surviving mate will find a new partner.
- Their tongue can extend up to 4 inches past the end of the bill to extract ants and other insects from deep crevices.
Conclusion
Though limited in distribution, the dramatic pileated woodpecker is well-established and locally common within its range across eastern Texas. Mature forests with abundant dead and dying trees provide the necessary habitat for these birds to excavate cavities for roosting and nesting. Conservation efforts focused on preserving stands of old-growth forests will benefit pileated woodpecker populations in Texas.
With a little patience, birders can catch a glimpse of the unmistakable pileated woodpecker in wooded state parks, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas across eastern Texas. Just listen for its loud calls and woodpecking sounds echoing through the forest.
