Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
The Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is a striking bird known for its impressive size and distinctive red crest, making it the largest woodpecker in North America. This species is commonly found in the forests around Montreal, where it is most easily observed during the winter months when the trees are bare, allowing for a clear view of its unique feeding behavior as it chisels into tree bark to extract insects.
| 🇫🇷 | Grand Pic |
| 🇩🇪 | Helmspecht |
| 🇲🇽 | Picamaderos norteamericano, Pito crestado |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
How to Identify
The Pileated Woodpecker can be identified by its distinctive head shape and coloration. It features a striking red crest, complemented by black and white stripes along the sides of its head. Males are further distinguished by a red malar stripe.
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Characteristics
| Length | 40-49cm |
| Weight | 277-300g |
| Wingspan | 66-75cm |
| Clutch Size | 3-5 eggs |
| Incubation | 15-18 days |
| Fledging | 26-28 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
Present throughout the year, the Pileated Woodpecker is most easily observed during the winter months when the absence of foliage provides an unobstructed view. Typically, you will hear their distinctive hammering on tree bark before you see them, as they often work on the upper sections of tree trunks. Occasionally, these birds can be found on the ground, rummaging through dead leaves in search of prey.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belvédère Outremont | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | - | - | x |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Mont Saint-Bruno | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.