What Do They Call a Big Woodpecker?

If you’ve ever heard a loud drumming echoing through your backyard and spotted a large bird with a bright red crest, you might have met the king of woodpeckers: the Pileated Woodpecker. Known as the “big woodpecker,” this striking bird is hard to miss thanks to its size, bold coloring, and unmistakable presence.

For homeowners, spotting one can feel like a rare nature moment, yet it often comes with mixed feelings. While fascinating to watch, these woodpeckers can leave behind hefty holes in trees, wooden siding, or even utility poles. That’s why understanding what makes this bird special, and how it interacts with your property, matters if you live in areas where they thrive.

Which Woodpecker Is Considered the Largest?

A big woodpecker is called a Pileated Woodpecker, the largest woodpecker species found in North America. It stands out with its striking red crest, black-and-white body, and impressive wingspan that can reach up to 30 inches.

People often recognize it not just by sight, but by sound, the deep drumming on wood and loud, almost laugh-like call. So when someone asks, “What do they call a big woodpecker?” the clear answer is the Pileated Woodpecker.

What Makes the Pileated Woodpecker “Big”?

The Pileated Woodpecker earns its title as the “big woodpecker” because it can grow up to 19 inches tall, making it nearly the size of a crow. Its wingspan often stretches close to 30 inches, giving it a commanding presence when it takes flight across backyards and wooded areas.

Compared to smaller species like the Downy or Hairy Woodpecker, its size is instantly noticeable. What really sets it apart is the bold red crest perched on its head, paired with striking black-and-white plumage.

Its powerful beak allows it to chisel large, rectangular holes in trees that are much bigger than those made by other woodpeckers. These unique traits make the Pileated Woodpecker both an iconic bird and an unmistakable visitor when it shows up near homes.

Behavior and Habits of Big Woodpeckers

The Pileated Woodpecker has some signature behaviors that make it stand out. Homeowners often notice these patterns right away:

• Powerful drumming: They hammer loudly on trees or even wooden siding to mark territory and attract mates.
• Large cavity excavation: Their strong beak creates deep, rectangular holes in search of carpenter ants and beetle larvae.
• Daytime activity: Most active during daylight, especially mornings, when their drumming carries across neighborhoods.
• Territorial nature: They often return to the same spots, especially areas with old or damaged trees.
• Adaptability: While they prefer mature forests, they’re increasingly seen in suburban areas with wooded lots or large trees.

These habits explain why spotting a Pileated Woodpecker is such a memorable experience, and why it can quickly become a recurring presence around your home.

Why You Might Spot One Near Your Home?

Pileated Woodpeckers are naturally drawn to areas where food and shelter are easy to find. If your property has tall trees, decaying wood, or wooded edges nearby, it can become a prime spot for these birds to search for insects and create nesting cavities.

Their size makes them hard to miss, especially when they swoop across open spaces or drum loudly on trees. Homeowners often notice signs of their presence before actually seeing the bird. Common indicators include:

• Large rectangular holes in trees, stumps, or even siding.
• Scattered wood chips at the base of trees where they’ve been chiseling.
• Distinctive drumming sounds that are deeper and louder than smaller woodpeckers.
• Frequent visits to utility poles, dead trees, or rotting logs in search of insects.

If you’ve spotted these clues, chances are you’re sharing space with one of the largest and most striking woodpeckers in North America.

Problems Big Woodpeckers Can Cause

While Pileated Woodpeckers are fascinating to watch, their size and strength often mean bigger problems for property owners. Their powerful beaks can carve out holes several inches wide, which weakens trees and makes them vulnerable to disease or insect infestations.

When they target wooden siding or utility poles, the damage can quickly become costly to repair. Noise is another issue homeowners notice right away.

The deep drumming can echo across neighborhoods, sometimes lasting for long stretches of the day. On top of that, the large cavities they create may attract other animals like squirrels or small owls looking for shelter, leading to a chain reaction of nuisance wildlife around your property.

Protecting Your Property from Big Woodpeckers

Keeping a Pileated Woodpecker from turning your property into its personal workshop requires the right approach. Quick DIY fixes like hanging a single shiny object often fail because these birds are persistent and return to the same spot.

Instead, effective deterrents need to disrupt their routine and make your space less appealing. Some humane strategies include:

• Visual deterrents: Reflective tape, predator decoys, or moving objects can discourage activity.
• Auditory deterrents: Motion-activated sound devices can startle them away from favored trees or siding.
• Protective barriers: Installing netting or metal sheeting on targeted areas helps block access.
• Professional help: When damage becomes extensive, calling experts like AAAC Wildlife Removal ensures the problem is handled safely and effectively.

By acting early, you can prevent woodpecker damage from escalating and avoid attracting other pests through open holes or weakened wood.

Fascinating Facts People Love About Big Woodpeckers

The Pileated Woodpecker isn’t just the largest woodpecker in North America, it’s also one of the most iconic. Its bold red crest and dramatic call famously inspired the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker, making it one of the few birds that almost everyone recognizes, even if they’ve never seen one up close.

Beyond its pop culture ties, this bird plays an important ecological role. The large cavities it creates in trees become valuable nesting spots for owls, ducks, and even mammals like raccoons.

By chiseling deep into dead wood, it also helps control insect populations, particularly carpenter ants and beetles. Spotting one in your backyard can be both a nuisance and a reminder of how connected wildlife is to our ecosystems.

Bringing It All Together

A “big woodpecker” is officially known as the Pileated Woodpecker, a striking bird that captures attention with its size, color, and echoing calls. While it’s exciting to spot such an iconic species, the same traits that make it memorable also make it a challenge for homeowners dealing with holes, noise, and potential property damage.

If you notice signs of woodpecker activity on your trees or home, it’s best not to wait until the damage gets worse. AAAC Wildlife Removal specializes in safe, humane solutions that protect both your property and the birds. With expert help, you can enjoy the wonder of seeing wildlife without worrying about costly repairs.

Need Help with Woodpeckers?

If a Pileated Woodpecker has started treating your property like its personal workshop, it’s time to step in. The team at AAAC Wildlife Removal can provide safe, effective solutions to protect your home while respecting the bird’s place in nature. Contact us today and keep your property woodpecker-free.