Red-Headed Woodpecker or Pileated Woodpecker?
Here's how to tell the difference
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Red-Headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
General appearance
The red-headed woodpecker stands at about 10 inches (25 cm) tall, roughly the size of a Robin. Its coloring is striking, with a solid pattern of black, white, and red. Its wing shape is broad and rounded, and it has a multi-pointed, wedge-shaped tail. Large white patches on the wings are key identifiers.
Male vs female
There is no significant difference in the coloration and physical traits between male and female red-headed woodpeckers. Both genders boast the same pattern of black, red, and white, as well as the noteworthy white wing patches.
Juvenile
Distinguishing juvenile red-headed woodpeckers from adults is fairly manageable. Young birds sport a brown head, in contrast to the vivid red of the adults. Their white wing patches are streaked with dark bars. As they approach their first winter, the brown on their head gradually gives way to red.
Size
7.6 - 9.3 in/2.0 - 3.2 oz
There's more to learn about Red-Headed Woodpecker
View full detailsPileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
General appearance
The Pileated Woodpecker is a large bird approximately the size of a crow, measuring about 17 inches (43 cm). Characterized by a primarily black body, its most distinctive feature is a vibrant red crest. In flight, this bird's white under-wings flash conspicuously. With broad rounded wings and a multi-pointed, wedge-shaped tail, these woodpeckers possess a striking appearance.
Male vs female
There are subtle differences in coloration between male and female Pileated Woodpeckers. Specifically, both have a red crest but the males exhibit a red forehead and mustache while in female counterparts these parts are black. This is a key identifier determining the sex of these birds.
Juvenile
Juvenile Pileated Woodpeckers largely resemble adults in coloration though typically less vivid. As they mature, the coloration deepens, becoming more pronounced and vibrant. It is important to observe closely for these nuanced changes in plumage when birdwatching in the wild.
Size
15.7 - 19.3 in/8.8 - 12.3 oz
There's more to learn about Pileated Woodpecker
View full detailsHow to tell the Red-Headed Woodpecker from the Pileated Woodpecker
Visual differences
The Red-Headed Woodpecker is about 10 inches tall, with a striking solid pattern of black, white, and a bright red head, along with distinctive large white wing patches. In contrast, the Pileated Woodpecker is larger, around 17 inches, resembling a crow in size, and features a primarily black body with a vibrant red crest. Males have a red forehead and mustache, while females have black. The Pileated Woodpecker also displays flashy white under-wings in flight, setting it apart visually from the Red-Headed Woodpecker.
Key differences and behavior
The Red-Headed and Pileated Woodpeckers display distinct behaviors aiding field differentiation. Red-Headed Woodpeckers (10 inches) are smaller, highly territorial, often raiding nests and storing food. They prefer open habitats with scattered trees. Their courtship is less flamboyant, relying on drumming and calls for territory establishment. Pileated Woodpeckers, larger at 17 inches, favor dense forests and are known for dramatic courtship displays including wing spreading and elaborate flights. They primarily consume ants and wood-boring insects, whereas Red-Headed Woodpeckers have a diverse diet, including insects, fruits, and occasionally small vertebrates. While both species nest in tree cavities, the Pileated often chooses larger trees or poles. Both species participate in nest work and parenting, yet the Pileated constructs a new cavity each year, contributing to its substantial size requirements.
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