They Come a Tapping

by Norma A. Hubbard (December 2012)

When walking in the woods, most of us would recognize the tapping of woodpeckers and would most likely be able to identify the tiny Downy (Picoides pubescens) or its larger twin, the Hairy (Picoides villosus) or even the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphryrapicus varius). When we first moved here we saw all of these woodpeckers, but the Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) hid from us. Ron’s father told us he had seen one along our trail in our forest. At the time we had not seen one, so we were not convinced that he had seen one. After all, we thought, surely we would have seen one if there was one?

Ironically we have been hearing the Pileated Woodpecker since we’ve moved in, but it was only last year that we realized what we had been jokingly referring to as a ‘jungle’ bird call, was in fact, the Pileated Woodpecker.

Yet even knowing that these woodpeckers were in the forest did not guarantee a sighting. Our forest is not all that old by forestry terms, and these larger wood- peckers – measuring up to 47 cm – like mature forest to inhabit. They carve out nesting cavities in the larger trees of the forests, which are used later by other birds and animals. These woodpeckers usually live in pairs, but in winter may tolerate others in their territory.

Most woodpeckers eat various insects and wild berries, but they also love suet and enjoy sunflower seeds. On any given day either a Downy or a Hairy Woodpecker will be at one of our feeders. The Downy is often in the company of chickadees and nuthatches and is quite curious. However, unlike the smaller woodpeckers, Pileated Woodpeckers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers seldom come to feeders.

All woodpeckers prefer forests with dead and decaying trees (known as snag) as these usually contain insects. Pileated Woodpeckers in particular feed on carpenter ants. So while we might be quick to clean an area by cutting down dying trees, unless there is danger, leave some decaying trees for the birds. This may also save a few of the healthy trees. It is important to provide habitat for our birds. There are several species of woodpeckers in Quebec and currently the Red-headed Wood pecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is listed as NT (near-threatened) due to lost of habitat. Although not as large as the Pileated – about half its size at about 19 to 24 cm – it is no less majestic with its bright red head.

As to our sighting of the Pileated Woodpecker, well, they finally made an appearance – three of them last year – so I guess my father-in-law did see one a few years ago. Since then we have seen these striking birds on several occasions, including recently quite close but alas I had no camera. Picture or no picture, I enjoy all the birds that live in our woods.

Reference: www.allaboutbirds.org