In this video, you will learn how to identify 4 common CALLS and SOUNDS of a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), including what it sounds like when they drum against a tree!

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HERE ARE THE FOUR MOST COMMON CALLS THAT PILEATED WOODPECKERS MAKE:

00:15 SOUND #1: “cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk"

Listen for a loud series of “cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk" calls that lasts several seconds.

The call typically rises in pitch and volume, before falling towards the end.

This sound is often confused with a Northern Flicker, but a Pileated Woodpecker’s call is typically deeper and less even in tone.

00:43 SOUND #2: “wuk, wuk”

Pileated Woodpeckers use this call for a variety of purposes, such as territory disputes or alarm calls.

Sometimes it is strung together consecutively, while other times it is much shorter.

01:00 SOUND #3: Interaction calls

This sound is typically heard when Pileated Woodpeckers are interacting together.

In my opinion, it sounds more like a monkey in a rainforest than a woodpecker!

01:15 SOUND #4: Drumming

A Pileated Woodpeckers drum is a slow and deep rolling sound that lasts around 3 seconds.

Drumming is used by both sexes for a variety of purposes, including courtship, establishing territories, and as an alarm call.

Hollow trees are often used to make the sound resonate louder.

Credit for Recordings
Macaulay Library at the Cornell
Lab of Ornithology.
Recordists: Arthur A. Allen, Dave Herr, Wil Hershberger, Jay McGowan

Images used under license
from Shutterstock.com