The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is a large woodpecker native to forests across North America. Known for its loud, distinctive call, the Pileated Woodpecker produces a wide range of vocalizations that can help identify it in the wild. In this article, we’ll explore the different sounds made by the Pileated Woodpecker, when and why it makes them, and how to distinguish them. We’ll also look at some key facts about this fascinating bird and its behavior.
What does a Pileated Woodpecker sound like?
The most recognizable sound made by the Pileated Woodpecker is a loud, ringing series of accelerating short rattle or knock sounds often described as “cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk”. This is the bird’s territorial call and drumroll, typically given by both sexes to establish territory and attract a mate. The call carries a long distance and has been likened to that of a jungle animal.
Here are some other common vocalizations:
The “jungle call”
This is a fast series of loud, ringing kuks that accelerate in pace. It’s a very distinctive vocalization that can be heard from afar.
The whee-uk call
A loud, squealing call that sounds like “whee-uk.” It is often given in excitement when agitated or attacking prey.
The kik-kik-kik call
A rapid series of higher-pitched kik sounds, often given during territorial displays or courtship. It is one of the highest-pitched calls in the Pileated Woodpecker’s repertoire.
The whining call
A long, drawn-out whine descending in pitch. Both sexes make this year-round contact call but especially when feeding fledglings.
Drumming
In addition to vocalizing, the Pileated Woodpecker also drums on dead trees or other wooden objects with its beak to make a loud, rhythmic, accelerating beat. The drumming serves as a territorial signal rather than food gathering.
When and why does a Pileated Woodpecker call?
Pileated Woodpeckers vocalize and drum throughout the year for a variety of reasons:
Establishing territories
Calling and drumming loudly advertises that a territory is occupied. Pileateds are very territorial and will defend their large home range year-round.
Attracting a mate
Both sexes call to attract a suitable mate during the breeding season. Drumming also helps bring potential mates together.
Bonding between mates
Mated pairs stay together year-round and use various calls to communicate and bond. Quieter contact calls help maintain the pair bond.
Warning intruders
Pileateds use aggressive calls and drumming to ward off intruders into their territory. Calls signal a willingness to attack if needed.
Feeding calls
Whining calls are used between parents and fledglings to communicate when food is available. The hungry young will call to beg for food.
So in summary, Pileated Woodpeckers are very vocal birds using calls and drumming to defend resources, find a mate, strengthen social bonds, and feed young. Peak calling occurs during breeding season and territorial disputes.
Identifying the Pileated Woodpecker by sound
The unique calls of the Pileated Woodpecker make it relatively easy to identify, even if you can’t see the bird. Here are some tips for identification by sound:
– Listen for the loud, accelerating jungle-like kuk call which carries over long distances. This is diagnostic for the Pileated.
– Also listen for a series of faster kik sounds or the distinctive whee-uk call, both commonly made by this species.
– The drumroll produced by hammering on wood is much slower in pace than that of smaller woodpeckers. It builds in speed rather than being evenly spaced.
– Call rhythms and cadence are more consistent and faster-paced compared to the slow tapping of the larger Ivory-billed Woodpecker which Pileateds are sometimes confused with in their range.
– The whining call of adults feeding nestlings is unique and may help pinpoint potential nest sites.
– Pileated calling is heard year-round rather than just during spring drumming and breeding seasons.
Interesting facts about the Pileated Woodpecker
Size and appearance
– At 15-19 inches long with a wingspan of 26-30 inches, the Pileated is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America, about the size of a crow.
– Its mostly black plumage with bold white stripes on the face and neck and a flaming red crest are very distinctive. The male has a red “mustache” stripe along the cheek that the female lacks.
Behavior and habits
– Strong, crow-like flight with slow, deep wing beats. They fly with more flutter than other woodpeckers.
– Uses its long, barbed tongue to extract carpenter ants and other insects from deep crevices and tunnels.
– Breeding pairs excavate a new nest cavity in a large tree each year, taking turns chiseling out the hole which can take weeks.
– Cavities are often reused in later years by other wildlife like squirrels and owls who can’t excavate their own.
– Besides ants, eats beetle larvae, termites, fruits, nuts, and berries. Occasionally eats small vertebrates.
– Males are more territorial, doing most of the calling and drumming to defend the home range.
Population and conservation
– Still a fairly common species across much of its original range. Populations likely declined with extensive logging but have rebounded in many areas.
– Estimated 1 million individuals globally with around 3/4 in the U.S. and 1/4 in Canada.
– Loss of mature forests with standing dead trees hurts populations by reducing nest sites.
– Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to large range and stable population trend.
Conclusion
The Pileated Woodpecker has a very distinct vocal repertoire. Its loud calls and drumming carry over long distances, making it easier to detect than many other forest birds. Listening for the tell-tale kuk-kuk-kuk jungle call is the best way to identify this important keystone species by ear. Understanding the sounds and behaviors of Pileated Woodpeckers provides insight into the ecology of North American forests, helping inform ongoing conservation efforts. So next time you’re out in the woods, listen closely and you might just hear the wild sounds of a Pileated!
