Pileated woodpeckers are large, striking birds native to forests across North America. With their bright red crests, black and white plumage, and loud, distinctive calls, these woodpeckers are a favorite among birdwatchers. In the past, pileated woodpeckers suffered population declines due to habitat loss, and were considered a species of conservation concern. However, in recent decades, their populations have rebounded in many areas. So are pileated woodpeckers still endangered today?
The history of pileated woodpeckers
Pileated woodpeckers have a wide range across the forests of North America. They are found from the Pacific Northwest through Canada, the eastern United States, and even down into Florida. These birds thrive in mature forests with plenty of dead and decaying trees that they use for nesting and feeding.
In the early 20th century, pileated woodpecker populations declined sharply in many areas. Extensive logging of old-growth forests destroyed much of their prime nesting and foraging habitat. By the 1970s, they had disappeared from much of the northern part of their range, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Their total numbers dropped to an estimated 82,000 pairs.
Concern grew over the future of pileated woodpeckers. In the late 1970s, they were listed as endangered in several northeastern states. Clear-cutting of forests continued to negatively impact populations through the 1980s. The pileated woodpecker was identified as a species of concern by wildlife agencies and conservation groups.
Protection and population increases
In the 1990s, increased protections helped the pileated woodpecker begin to recover in many areas. Clear-cutting regulations allowed more mature forests to grow back. Public lands were expanded, securing more habitat from logging. The banning of DDT also helped, as did programs to leave dead trees standing in woodlands.
By the late 1990s, pileated woodpecker numbers were rebounding, especially in the Pacific Northwest and the Southern United States. Populations also grew in the Northeast as forests regenerated. Conservation groups called for downlisting the pileated woodpecker from endangered to threatened in many states. Surveys showed more pairs nesting and foraging even near urban areas.
Today, the pileated woodpecker is considered a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of over 9 million individuals. Numbers are stable or increasing across nearly all of the pileated woodpecker’s range.
Current status and threats
Although pileated woodpecker populations have rebounded significantly, potential threats still remain. Further habitat loss and fragmentation could stem population growth and degrade the quality of their nesting and feeding grounds. Here is the current status and potential issues facing pileated woodpeckers region by region:
Northeastern U.S.
After being nearly wiped out here entirely last century, the pileated woodpecker has returned to all New England states and eastern Canadian provinces. Populations continue to grow as suburban forests mature. However, fragmented habitats raise concerns over long-term viability.
Southeastern U.S.
Populations are thriving in the extensive Southern pine forests and swamps. Development remains a threat, but pileated numbers have grown consistently in this region since the 1970s.
Midwestern U.S.
Populations declined here as oak-hickory forests were altered, but numbers have rebounded in the past two decades. Continued monitoring is needed.
Western U.S.
This region remains a pileated woodpecker stronghold, with large populations in the Pacific Northwest, Northern California forests, and Rocky Mountains. Forest fragmentation and pine beetle outbreaks are potential concerns.
Canada
After early declines, pileated woodpeckers have returned to all Canadian provinces. Healthy populations exist coast to coast following habitat recovery efforts.
While pileated woodpeckers face localized issues, they are no longer considered globally threatened. Targeted conservation in protected forests should support continued population gains.
legal protection status
The legal protections for the pileated woodpecker depend on the region:
- United States federal status: Not listed under the Endangered Species Act
- Canada federal status: Not listed under the Species at Risk Act
- Eastern states: Not listed as endangered or threatened
- Western states: Not listed as endangered or threatened
- International status: Least Concern
The pileated woodpecker is not in danger of extinction and no longer requires direct legal protections across its range. State and federal wildlife agencies recognize the recovered status of pileated woodpecker populations.
Interesting facts about pileated woodpeckers
- Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpecker species in North America.
- They get their name from the pileum, or cap-like crest on their heads.
- Their loud, clownish call can be heard up to a mile away.
- They excavate large, rectangular cavities in trees to roost and nest in.
- A mating pair stays together for life, returning to the same nest site each year.
- They use their long, barbed tongues to extract carpenter ants and other insects from wood.
- Pileated woodpeckers may live up to 12 years in the wild.
Key facts and statistics
Here are some key statistics on the pileated woodpecker:
- Size: 16-19 inches long with a wingspan of 26-30 inches
- Range: Forests across North America, up to 8,500 feet in elevation
- Population: Estimated at over 9 million individuals
- Population Trend: Increasing overall range-wide
- Key Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years
- Diet: Mainly carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae
- Nest sites: Dead tree cavities, mainly in aspens, oaks, and pines
Conclusion
In summary, the outlook for the pileated woodpecker has improved substantially since the 20th century. This striking forest bird has rebounded across North America thanks to habitat protections and regeneration of mature woodlands. Their populations have increased range-wide and are considered secure. While fragmenting of forests remains a long-term threat, the pileated woodpecker serves as an encouraging example of wildlife conservation success.
