At least one Pileated Woodpecker has moved into my neighborhood as evidenced in early morning construction clamour and the occaisional sighting of a bright red crest.
Below is an illustration from the Readers Digest North American Wildlife book:
Said book gives this description:
Length: 14″-18″ What to look for: large size; red crest; black, white, and red pattern on head; mostly black, with white wing linings conspicuous in flight. Habitat: mature forests
The birds dig a deep, oval shaped hole in the side of the tree to dig out bugs for their diet. Other unique features about the Pileated woodpecker are their exceptionally long, barbed tongue for collecting said bugs and a spongy bone protecting their brain whilst they pound; it has apparently been discovered that the head of the woodpecker withstands up to 1,000 g-forces per pound/hammer…
Stavig's Wilderness 