Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America

Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America, measuring 15 1/2 " to 19 1/2 inches in length , with a 26" to 30" wingspan. They are mostly black with a brilliant red crest. They have white lines down the sides of their faces. The males have a red line from their bill down the sides of their throat and a red bar in front of their crown, whereas females have black lines. In flight they have white under their wings with black tips. Their voice is a very loud laughing type sound. Pileated woodpeckers will excavate large rectangular holes to locate beetle larvae and carpenter ants. They will also eat berries, fruit and seeds. The large holes are also used to raise their young in. One time, I observed a Pileated pecking at and eating insects for over an hour in just one spot. Pairs will stay in their territories all year round, defending the territory from other detractors. A young Red-Shouldered hawk found this out one day last season, as it kept being chased away. Of course as it grew, things were seriously reversed.