Towering over other woodpeckers with its impressive size and striking crest, the Pileated Woodpecker is the lord of the lumberyard. Often mistaken for a miniature crow, this "lord of the lumberyard" holds a story waiting to be explored, from its powerful excavations to its crucial role in maintaining healthy forests. Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers found in North America (excluding the possibly extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker). Their powerful beaks act like chisels, capable of hammering through wood with impressive force. Unlike some woodpeckers that peck on decaying trees, Pileated Woodpeckers readily tackle healthy trees in search of insect larvae hidden deep within. The large, rectangular holes they create are a testament to their strength and a sign of their presence in the forest. Witnessing a Pileated Woodpecker hammering away at a tree trunk, woodchips flying in all directions, reveals the raw power and determination these birds possess. These birds frequently nest at Quiet Waters Park. Listen for their raucous calls and drumming sounds throughout the area.
