The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is a large, crow-sized woodpecker native to forests of North America. With its striking red crest, black and white plumage, and loud, resounding calls, the Pileated Woodpecker is one of the most recognizable and remarkable woodpeckers on the continent. Though typically elusive as it moves through the forest canopy, the Pileated Woodpecker’s appearance in flight offers bird enthusiasts some of the best opportunities to admire this magnificent bird’s beauty. When taking to the air, the Pileated Woodpecker reveals its bold black and white wing pattern, as well as a glimpse of its bright red crest flashing in motion. Understanding what a Pileated Woodpecker looks like in flight helps bird watchers identify and appreciate this iconic forest bird.
Distinctive Black and White Wings
One of the most distinguishing features of a Pileated Woodpecker in flight is its bold black and white wing pattern. When perched, the Pileated Woodpecker conceals its wings against its body, revealing mostly black feathers. But when the bird takes flight, its wings open to showcase a striking black and white pattern. The bird’s primary and secondary wing feathers are largely white, contrasting sharply with the black covert feathers covering the rest of the wing. This makes the Pileated Woodpecker’s flying wings appear largely white, with black rows of feathers crossing them. The expansive white wings and interrupting bars of black create a bold, attention-grabbing pattern in flight. Compared to other North American woodpeckers, like the downy or hairy woodpeckers, the Pileated’s flying wings stand out much more dramatically, making them easier to spot and identify.
Streamlined Body Shape
Another identifying feature of the Pileated Woodpecker in flight is its broad, streamlined body shape. Woodpeckers in general have short, stout, sturdy bodies well-adapted for climbing and hammering on trees. While perched, the Pileated Woodpecker exhibits this classic woodpecker body type. But when flying, its body appears longer and more streamlined. The bird extends its broad shoulders and long neck, revealing a wingspan of up to 30 inches. The Pileated Woodpecker’s relatively short tail feathers also add to its stretched, streamlined silhouette in flight. This aerodynamic body shape shows how the Pileated Woodpecker is well-adapted for swift, powerful flight between forest trees.
Slow, Undulating Wingbeats
The Pileated Woodpecker’s large size requires it to fly with slow, undulating wingbeats unlike the rapid flapping of smaller woodpeckers. Watching it take off, you can observe the Pileated’s lumbering, buoyant flight style. Each wingbeat Cycle is slow and deliberate, allowing it to generate the lift and thrust necessary to carry its substantial bulk. The wings move in an undulating, up-and-down motion rather than quick, choppy flaps. This slower flapping creates a very distinctive flight style compared to smaller woodpeckers and songbirds. The Pileated Woodpecker sometimes glides for a few moments between bursts of flapping as well. Their slow, buoyant flight displays the adaptations and flight mechanics necessary for such a large woodpecker.
Flashing Red Crest
Though the Pileated Woodpecker’s crest is a subdued red when perched, it practically glows when the bird is in flight. With each wing flap, the long, pointed red crest feathers above the bird’s bill lift and spread, flashing bright red with the motion. Since the crest lies smoothly folded over the Pileated Woodpecker’s head at rest, it catches the eye spectacularly when revealed and moving during flight. The bright crimson crest flashing amid the bold black and white wings makes an eye-catching sight. It also helps distinguish the Pileated Woodpecker from the slightly smaller Northern Flicker, which shares a similar black and white wing pattern but lacks a red crest.
Direct, Bounding Flight
The Pileated Woodpecker generally flies in a direct, bounding, undulating flight pattern. Its flight is more direct and purposeful compared to the fluttering, drifting flight of small songbirds. Powerful and sure of its direction, the Pileated Woodpecker flies steadily between trees with strong wingbeats carrying it swiftly through the air. Its flight has a somewhat buoyant, dipping, or undulating trajectory as each wingbeat cycle lifts it then drops it slightly before the next lift. Watching the Pileated Woodpecker fly reveals its strength and adaptations that enable it to fly efficiently between the forest trees where it lives.
Loud Calling in Flight
Listen for the Pileated Woodpecker’s loud, far-carrying calls as it approaches or flies away. Its most common call is a resounding, accelerating series of raucous cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk cries. These sharp calls advertise the Pileated Woodpecker’s presence as it travels between trees. It may also make a simpler loud whinny or piercing rattle call in flight. The bird’s boisterous vocalizations match the dramatic visual impressions it makes in flight with its showy plumage patterns and crest. Even at a distance, you can recognize a flying Pileated Woodpecker by its distinctive sounds.
Slow Speed
The Pileated Woodpecker, while an accomplished flier, does not achieve very high speeds in level flight compared to other birds its size. Due to its large body and the faster, more exerting wingbeats required for increased speeds, the Pileated generally flies at slower speeds only reaching 20-30 miles per hour at most. However, it can fly surprisingly fast in a stooping, downhill flight, reaching estimated speeds up to 40 miles per hour. But in ordinary level flight between trees, watch for the Pileated Woodpecker’s characteristic slow, flapping flight which differs greatly from the high speeds small songbirds can attain.
Flap-Gliding Flight Style
The Pileated Woodpecker typically uses a flap-gliding flight method rather than constant flapping. It flaps its wings vigorously for several beats, giving it lift and momentum, then glides for a short distance before another burst of flapping. This flap-glide approach helps it conserve energy as it travels between trees, rather than continually powering its wings. The brief glides and undulations in its flight profile contrast with the constant fluttering of smaller passerines. Next time you see a Pileated Woodpecker flying, note how it flaps and then coasts in efficient flap-gliding flight.
Stiff Wingbeats
Compared to other woodpeckers, the Pileated Woodpecker’s massive size requires its flight strokes to be slower yet stronger. Watch closely and you can observe the Pileated’s wings moving in an exaggerated up-and-down pumping motion on each beat, rather than the rapid blur of smaller woodpeckers. The wings appear relatively stiff, not bending as far on the downstroke, allowing them to produce more powerful lifts. The Pileated Woodpecker’s heavy body requires these stronger, stiffer wingbeats to stay aloft. The pronounced up-and-down movement is also necessary to generate enough thrust to propel itself forward.
Usually Solitary
When in flight, Pileated Woodpeckers are most commonly seen alone rather than in pairs or groups. This corresponds with their general solitary nature as they forage individually for wood-boring insect prey on trees. Except for breeding pairs and parents with fledglings, these woodpeckers are usually alone as they fly between trees. Seeing a lone Pileated Woodpecker flying from one tree to another is much more typical than witnessing two or more birds in flight together. Their predominantly solitary flight tendency reflects their species’ behavior patterns.
Slow Tapered Wingbeats
As the Pileated Woodpecker progresses through a series of wingbeats, watch how each stroke starts faster, then slows as the wing reaches the top of its arc. This results in a noticeable tapering effect to each wingbeat, starting quicker then decelerating through the last portion of the stroke. The tapered wingbeat may add aerodynamic finesse and help compensate for the Pileated’s overall slow flapping speed. It generates extra lift and momentum during the faster beginning portion of the stroke to carry it forward with smooth, strong flight.
Alternating Wing Positions
In between wingbeats, the Pileated Woodpecker holds its wings in distinct positions, alternating between wings folded upwards and wings folded downwards. After each downstroke, the wings fold in a pointed upwards position, then reorient to a downwards fold before the next power stroke. The upward fold likely helps reduce drag on the upstroke, while the downward fold builds momentum going into the downstroke. This alternating wing fold helps maintain smooth, efficient flight. Notice how precisely the Pileated Woodpecker controls its wing positions throughout all phases of its wingbeat cycle.
Wings Held Above Horizontal
During the Pileated Woodpecker’s flap-gliding flight, its wings are often held in a slight dihedral, or above horizontal position even when not flapping. Rather than holding them flat, the wings are angled slightly upwards like upside-down V’s. This V-shaped wing position may help the bird utilize air currents and reduce drag, allowing it to glide smoothly between flaps. Watch for the diagnostic dihedral wing angle as a key part of the Pileated’s in-flight wing posture.
Deep Wingbeats
Watching from below or above, you can observe the deep profile of the Pileated Woodpecker’s wingbeats. On each downstroke, the wings are extended nearly full length, resulting in a deep, sweeping arc overall. Combined with the slow, powerful exertion of each stroke, this creates exceptional lift and thrust to carry the Pileated’s heavy body forward. The broad wings allow powerful deep strokes without needing to flap as rapidly as smaller birds. Notice the characteristic deep, wide sweep of the Pileated’s unhurried but mighty wingbeats.
Skilled Maneuverability
Despite its large size, the Pileated Woodpecker is impressively agile in flight, able to swerve nimbly around trees and branches. When navigating dense forests, watch how it deftly banks and pivots its large body with fine control, never appearing clumsy. This maneuverability points to its adeptness in controlling precise adjustments to the speed, angle, and positioning of its wings to produce aerodynamic forces. The Pileated Woodpecker reveals its mastery of skilled flight as it nimbly soars through congested woods.
Bouyant Flight Style
The Pileated Woodpecker has a notably bouyant, graceful flight style despite its bulky build. It seems to almost float through the air, rising and falling with each wingbeat but not in a labored manner. There is fluidity to its slow flaps and glides that give it a light, effortless appearance. Compared to the frantic flitting of smaller birds, the Pileated has a calm, wafting flight profile as it moves from tree to tree. Watch for its distinctive buoyant, arcing flight and how it contrasts with the flight of other woodpeckers and forest birds.
Shallow Wing Angles
In flight, the Pileated Woodpecker holds its expansive wings at a relatively shallow angle rather than more vertically or steeply angled. The wings are tilted forward only slightly on each downstroke, rather than being more pointed downward. This shallower wing angle optimizes the generation of forward thrust over downward force. The wing posture is angled for speed and directionality powered by the strong flight muscles moving them. Observe how the Pileated regulates precise subtle shifts in wing angles to produce desired aerodynamic forces.
Slow Cadence of Flaps
Watch and listen to the Pileated Woodpecker fly to notice the slow cadence of its wingbeats compared to smaller birds. While a hummingbird’s wings may beat up to 80 times per second and small passerines 5-30 beats per second, the Pileated’s huge wings flap at a much slower rate. Time the seconds between strokes to calculate its cadence, which often is only around 2-5 wingbeats per second depending on speed. The slow cadence reflects the effort required to move its enormous wings. But it provides enough lift to keep its heavy body airborne.
Steady Position Across Wingspan
A flying Pileated Woodpecker holds its wings remarkably steady, without bobbing up and down across the wingspan. Unlike birds that flap with a rippling motion across their wing tips, the Pileated’s wings stay flat and stable all the way to the tips. Powerful flight muscles allow it to keep wings fully extended and flatten them into a taut, even plane as the stroke travels through the wing. Watch for how stably it controls its long wings compared to smaller birds adjusting across their wingtips.
Fast Accelerating Takeoff
Considering its large size, the Pileated Woodpecker has a remarkably fast takeoff acceleration, able to launch rapidly from a perch. Watching it take off, you’ll notice it needs only a brief hop and one to two swift downward strokes before its flight speed rapidly accelerates. The massive power in its flight muscles enables quick takeoff velocity, allowing it to flee rapidly despite needing slow flapping to remain aloft. Notice next time how abruptly fast the Pileated leaves a tree compared to its otherwise slower flight pace.
Strong Headwind Penetration
Even flying into a strong headwind, the Pileated Woodpecker penetrates efficiently with its powerful wingbeats and minimal drifting. While many smaller birds get pushed back and buffeted by headwinds, the Pileated’s strength and momentum allow it to cut through without losing much speed. Watch it battle winds and compare to lighter birds getting windswept. The Pileated’s heavyweight strength makes it less vulnerable to slowing and drift in heavy winds as it flies.
Long Flight Distances
With strong flight abilities, the Pileated Woodpecker is capable of covering surprisingly long distances in sustained flight when necessary. One study using radio telemetry found the average flight distance between roost and feeding trees was 1.2 miles, with a maximum flight of nearly 3 miles recorded. Though not migratory, Pileated Woodpeckers can and do fly multiple miles at a time when traveling between forest patches. Their powerful flight makes these long journeys possible.
Slow Speed Ascents
On ascending flights up to high perches, the Pileated Woodpecker typically flies slowly at a gentle ascending angle. Its huge wings allow it to gain altitude while maintaining minimal forward speed. It requires less speed to generate required lift due to its expansive wing area. Watch how gradually it gains height with slow ascents compared to smaller birds using faster climbing flight. It modulates subtle adjustments in wing angles and thrust to produce vertical lift for ascending.
Highly Aerodynamic Body Shape
Though bulky, the Pileated Woodpecker’s body shape is optimized for aerodynamic flight. Its small rounded head reduces drag, while its long neck and narrow tail provide a streamlined profile. Flight feather shafts are narrow and rounded to prevent airflow separation. Its short legs also tuck in tightly against the body in flight. Evolution shaped external body structures specialized for maneuverability and agility in flight to allow its lifestyle among the trees.
Minimum Flapping to Glide
When flap-gliding between trees, the Pileated Woodpecker uses only brief bursts of flapping to generate enough lift and momentum to then glide steadily forward. Watch how it achieves an efficient equilibrium where a single heavy downstroke carries it significant distance before needing to flap again. This shows the advantage of its huge wing area – fewer powerful strokes maintain its flight. The brief flaps contrast with constant fluttering in smaller birds.
Wings Angled Forward
The Pileated Woodpecker typically holds its wings angled slightly forward rather than perpendicular to the body like most birds. The leading edge tilts a few degrees beyond perpendicular to the direction of travel. This positions the broad wings to optimize forward thrust on each downstroke for maximum propulsion. More forward-angled wings sacrifice lift for speed and penetration. Observe the nuanced wing posture adapted for powerful forward flight.
Controlled Landing Maneuvers
Watch how the Pileated Woodpecker adeptly controls speed and trajectory when approaching a landing. Rather than an abrupt stall, it gradually modulates the speed and angle of descent using precise wing positioning. It extends wings to reduce speed while angling them to control the descent. The steady progressions show sophisticated control. Even its heavy body lands with graceful agility, settling onto a branch or tree trunk without crashing.
Conclusion
The Pileated Woodpecker reveals its true flying abilities and wing mastery when taking to the air. Its bold black and white plumage, flashy red crest, distinctive undulating flight style, and commanding vocalizations make this woodpecker one of the most majestic flying birds in North American forests. Learning to identify its flight characteristics helps bird enthusiasts recognize the Pileated Woodpecker and appreciate the adaptations that make its aerial style possible. Any sighting of a Pileated Woodpecker soaring overhead provides a breathtaking glimpse of this iconic species’ remarkable features.
