How to attract Pileated Woodpecker

BE AWARE THAT HABITAT TYPE MORE THAN ANY OTHER FACTOR, WILL IN MOST CASES, DICTATE THE SPECIES OF BIRD THAT VISIT YOUR PROPERTY.

How to Attract Pileated Woodpecker

The largest North American woodpecker, a Pileated Woodpecker sighting is always high on birdwatching lists. This marvel usually calls vast mature forests home but will occasionally be found in younger forests if there are lot of dead trees. Dead trees are a necessity for the Pileated Woodpecker, because that’s where they search for their favorites foods – ants and beetle larvae. Leaving dead or downed trees on your property (if safe) may increase your chances of attracting a Pileated Woodpecker. This large bird will eat wild berries - especially wild Wild Grape and Virginia Creeper - in fall/winter. Pileated Woodpecker are not common bird feeder visitors but may eat suet if provided, note that some manufacturers make bird feeders designed specifically for Pileated Woodpeckers. Building or buying a nesting box with the right specifications might attract a breeding pair. Learning the Pileated Woodpecker call (which is unmistakable) can help in locating the bird.

Top Ways to Attract Pileated Woodpecker

• Dead or Fallen Trees
• Mature Forest
• Suet
• Wild Grape
• Virginia Creeper

Trees & Shrubs that Attract Pileated Woodpecker

• American Basswood (Nesting)
• Ash (Insects, Nesting)
• Beech (Nesting)
• Crabapple (Fruit)
• Dead Trees (Insects, Nesting)
• Hackberry (Fruit)
• Sassafras (Fruit)
• Sumac (Fruit)
• Wild Cherry (Fruit)

Flowers & Vines that Attract Pileated Woodpecker

• Pokeweed (Fruit)
• Virginia Creeper (Fruit)
• Wild Grape (Fruit)

Attracting Pileated Woodpecker with a Bird Feeder

Feeder Type:

• Suet Feeder

Feed:

• Suet

Pileated Woodpecker Information

Pileated Woodpecker Identification:

• Very large-sized woodpecker
• Black overall, white stripes/patches on head, neck, and wings. Red crest on top of head (extends further on male), male also has red "mustache" stripe.

Pileated Woodpecker Habitat:

• Mature Forest
• Sometimes Backyards with a Considerable Amount of Trees
• Dead/Fallen Trees are a necessity

Pileated Woodpecker Eating Habits:

• Primarily insects; especially ants, beetle larvae, termites
• Will eat some fruit/berries in fall/winter
• Occasionally visit suet feeders

Pileated Woodpecker Nesting:

• Cavity-nester
• Prefer dead trees in forest habitat