The female pileated woodpeckers are amazing and majestic birds. They are smaller than their male counterparts but have a beautiful red crest on the head which makes them quite impressive. They have a black body with white stripes that runs down their back. The female pileated woodpeckers have the ability to fly faster and longer than the male woodpeckers
So, let’s get to know more about these interesting birds and how they have mustard adaptation
Why is This Bird Called Pileated Woodpeckers?
The pileated word refers to the red cap of feathers which is found from the bill to the nape of the pileated head. These birds also have the same red cap, otherwise, the entire body is black with white stripes which run down the neck.
What Makes Pileated Woodpeckers So Interesting?
The pileated woodpeckers are known to be the largest woodpecker birds in Canada and they are the sixth largest woodpeckers in the world. In exceptional cases, they can be at 19 inches, tail to head length, with a wingspan of 30 inches.
Where are the Pileated Woodpeckers Found?
The pileated woodpeckers are mainly found in forests that have lots of trees and ample food resources, including grubs, insects, and nuts. They also look for areas where they can take shelter, build their nest, and raise the young ones. They are mainly native to North America and are also seen in the United States and Canada. The pileated woodpeckers are also found in Mexico and the western United States. They can also be found around the Caribbean Islands from Cuba to Jamaica.
Usually, the pileated woodpeckers prefer open woodlands with streams or wetlands close to them, so that they do not face any difficulties while looking for food or while building nesting sites. They also prefer areas that have abundant deadwood or coniferous and deciduous trees or mixed woodlands. These birds often like to venture into the Suburban areas while looking for food.
How Do the Female Pileated Woodpeckers Appear?
When compared with the male counterpart of pileated woodpeckers, they have quite a dramatic look. The females are quite slimmer when compared with the male species and have no marking on the face but still, they are quite flashy because of their visible markings on their back and wings. Their unicolor combination set them apart from the male with red feathers on its back and head.
The males also have white detailings, however, the female pileated woodpeckers are less white than the males and the head also appears to be gray, rather than red. Still, female pileated woodpeckers have a very subtle coloring appearance, which helps them blend with the environment easily.
How Female Pileated Woodpeckers Different From Male Pileated Woodpeckers?
The two aspects that make female pileated woodpeckers an excellent bird are being: a pro-Forager and an excellent parent.
Forager
The female pileated woodpeckers are known to navigate to unexpected places, even in dense forests to find food. They have a powerful beak that helps them to catch insects, grubs, or drums through tough tree bark. They can also dig through the tree cavities to find the hidden morsels. Usually, pileated woodpeckers prefer plants that have soft fruit, nuts, and berries. The female pileated woodpeckers would forage deeper into the forest when compared with their male counterparts. They are seen to hunker down at night while the male roosts up in the trees. Thus, the females are quite adaptive to survive in any chosen habitat.
Parenting
The female pileated woodpeckers build nests to keep their chicks safe and warm. The interesting fact is that both male and female pileated woodpeckers would take turns to incubate the egg and the chicks are protected after hatching until they can independently fly and locate food. Other than this, a female pileated woodpecker can also raise the chicks without the help of their male counterpart.
Are Female Pileated Woodpeckers Bigger than the Male?
No, the female pileated woodpeckers are not bigger than the male ones. In fact, they are smaller. The average male is 16 inches long from head to tail, whereas the females are 17 inches long. Also, they have less weight than their male counterpart where the male weighs up to 12 ounces and the female weighs 8 to 9 ounces. But, this difference does not make them less capable of forging or drumming on the tree trunks while looking for food resources.
Can Female Pileated Woodpeckers Raise the Chicks Alone?
Yes, female pileated woodpeckers can raise the chicks alone without any help from the mate. However, they prefer a male while building the nest.
How Do the Female Pileated Woodpeckers Build Nests?
The female pileated woodpeckers would usually use tree twigs, moss, or any bark for building their nest. They lay around 6 eggs and the incubation period lasts for 15 to 18 days. When the pileated woodpecker’s chicks hatch, both the male and female would take turns to feed them until they turn 20 to 28 days old. When the woodpecker chicks become independent and they can fly and locate food on their own, the parents leave them.
What Role Do Pileated Woodpeckers Play in The Environment?
pileated woodpeckers create cavities in the trees which provide a nesting site for any other animal or bird. They also remove wood-borne insects which helps the trees to grow making it beneficial for the development of a healthy ecosystem. However, their drumming might not affect the healthy trees, but the ones that are diseased or have been infected can become weak.
Which Woodpeckers Are Extinct?
The Ivory-bill of North America and the Imperial Woodpecker of Mexico are two large woodpeckers that have been extinct since 1950.
What is The Spiritual Meaning of Sighting a Pileated Woodpecker?
The spiritual meaning of sighting a pileated woodpecker is self-discovery and it is a message from this spirit guide to show your highest potential. It also indicates protection, healing, and rebirth. If the pileated woodpeckers are spotted drumming, then it indicates a bond with Mother Nature where there is a continuous flow of energy through all living beings.
