Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 15 inches
* Very large (crow-sized) black and white woodpecker
* Prominent red crest at rear of head
* White throat
* Entirely black body plumage at rest except a white line that extends from bill down sides of neck to upper flanks
* In flight shows pale bases to primaries on upperwing and entirely white underwing covert

Adult male:

* Red forehead
* Red malar area

Adult female:

* Black forehead
* Black malar stripe

Similar species:

No other living woodpecker could be confused with the Pileated.