Pileated Woodpecker - Dryocopus pileatus
Largest woodpecker around Montreal and which can be observed best during the winter months due to lack of leaves. Feeds on insects below tree barks by hammering holes into the bark and pulling the prey out with the long tongue.
Common Names
- Pileated Woodpecker (en)
- Picamaderos norteamericano, Pito crestado (es)
- Grand Pic (fr)
- Helmspecht (de)
How to Identify
Shape and color of head is the criteria I use to identify this bird; A red hood and black and white stripes along the side of the head. Male have a red malar stripe.
Where & When to Spot
Although around all year, the species is best observed in winter due to lack of foliage. Usually you hear them first hammering on tree barks, mostly along tree stem's upper section. Occasionally, the bird descends to the ground pulling dead leaves in search of prey.
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Close up of Pileated Woodpecker in action.
Park Angrignon - February 26, 2018
NIKON D500; TAMRON SP AF 150-600mm F5-6.3 VC USD A011N; Focal Length 600mm; Exposure 1/1250; Aperture f9.0; Iso 900;
khm-20180226-1444-1519638256
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Picking up some insects with its long tongue.
Park Angrignon - March 06, 2016
NIKON D7100; 150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3; Focal Length 600mm; Exposure 1/1000; Aperture f6.3; Iso 720;
khm-20160306-1903-1457273034
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
Park Angrignon - March 06, 2016
NIKON D7100; 150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3; Focal Length 600mm; Exposure 1/1000; Aperture f6.3; Iso 250;
khm-20160306-1903-1457273019