Woody Woodpecker’s Real Identity
I am aging myself with this title. If you grew up in the late 50’s like me you undoubtedly knew the crazy behavior and look of the pileated woodpecker through the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker. Woody’s distinctive laugh and bright red crest were wildly popular. Also during this era, the loud jungle bird sounding calls of the pileated were used in the original Tarzan movies, which were also a major part of baby boomer’s childhood experiences. You could say the pileated woodpecker was an entertainment icon back in the day!
The pileated is the largest woodpecker in North America, ranging from 11 - 19 inches long with a broad wingspan. Hard to mistake with the bright red “mohawk” crest and white stripes that run down the neck, this mostly black bird is usually heard before it is seen. Along with the loud calls are the equally loud pecking “drills” that have been clocked at as many as 11-30 taps per second! Their favorite food is the carpenter ants found in decaying trees. The pileated creates distinctive holes in dying trees to feast. Other birds that eat insects will often be close by as the release of insects can send out a cloud of fleeing bugs that they can take advantage of.
Active birders will tell you these birds can be elusive - they seem to sense that they are being watched and are adept at moving quickly around to the OTHER side of the tree from you and your camera. This often creates a kind of bird watchers hide and seek game, one I have often lost! But a patient birder delights in the chance to get a shot of a bird that is just so fun to photograph! In the example that follows, I spent nearly a half hour walking in circles around a tree, listening intently to the drilling sound but unable to find the bird! Then I heard the sound end, looked up and the pileated had retreated into this hole to try and “wait me out” before returning out to drill and eat. CAUGHT YA!
The image below is the only photo I have caught of a parent and juvenile.
Emily Dickenson wrote: “His bill an auger is, His head, a cap and frill. He laboreth at every tree, A worm his utmost goal.” Here in St. Augustine, my neighborhood is home to many of these fun birds. I count myself fortunate any day that I get a chance to see one!
