A assuming an Ivory-billed woodpecker is still present in east central Arkansas (I believe there is), the Pileated woodpecker is our second largest and and second most showy woodpecker. I believe the red-headed woodpecker to be more beautiful and colored much like an Ivory-bill woodpecker. They are also quite common the the mountains of northwest Arkansas along rivers and streams and in the highlands too. Most people are familiar with their “jungle” call.
NOTE: Pileated Woodpeckers are common and of Least Concern; except for our state of Arkansas: Pileated Woodpecker populations declined greatly with the clearing of the eastern forests. The species rebounded in the middle 20th century, and has been increasing slowly but steadily in most of its range. Only in Arkansas do numbers seem to be going down.
These pictures, taken last spring, give a closeup look at three male (red stripe on his cheek) and two females (brown on forehead and face); but otherwise they look much the same; with a bright red cockade.
- The Pileated Woodpecker digs characteristically rectangular holes in trees to find ants. These excavations can be so broad and deep that they can cause small trees to break in half.
- A Pileated Woodpecker pair stays together on its territory all year round. It will defend the territory in all seasons, but will tolerate floaters during the winter.
- The feeding excavations of a Pileated Woodpecker are so extensive that they often attract other birds. Other woodpeckers, as well as House Wrens, may come and feed there.
- The Pileated Woodpecker prefers large trees for nesting. In young forests, it will use any large trees remaining from before the forest was cut. Because these trees are larger than the rest of the forest, they present a lightning hazard to the nesting birds.
- male Pileated Woodpecker
male Pileated Woodpecker and past drillings
male Pileated Woodpecker starting a new drilling
female Pileated Woodpecker surrounded by termites
female Pileated Woodpecker tearing up a log
We have this one male hanging around our house! So beautiful and large . First time we have seen one at our area in ten years Garland co. if you want to see our pictures we can send them to you. What fun for us we love nature and all it’s wonders. Of course we thought it was the ivory bird but not true. What’s the estimated number in our area?