Acorn Woodpecker or Pileated Woodpecker?
Here's how to tell the difference
Acorn Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
General appearance
The acorn woodpecker has a striking appearance with a black back, white belly, and a distinctive red crown. Its face is mostly white with a black patch around the eye and a strong, pointed bill. The wings are black with white patches visible during flight. The bird is medium-sized, with a length of around 8-9 inches.
Male vs female
Both male and female acorn woodpeckers have a bright red crown, but males have a solid red crown extending from the forehead to the nape, while females have a black band separating the red crown from the white forehead. This subtle difference helps in distinguishing the genders.
Juvenile
Juvenile acorn woodpeckers are similar in appearance to adults but with duller colors. Their red crown is less vibrant, and the black and white facial patterns are less distinct. Juveniles may also have more of a brownish tint compared to the glossy black of adults.
Size
7.5 - 9.1 in/2.3 - 3.2 oz
There's more to learn about Acorn Woodpecker
View full detailsPileated Woodpecker
Dryocopus pileatus
General appearance
The Pileated Woodpecker is a large bird approximately the size of a crow, measuring about 17 inches (43 cm). Characterized by a primarily black body, its most distinctive feature is a vibrant red crest. In flight, this bird's white under-wings flash conspicuously. With broad rounded wings and a multi-pointed, wedge-shaped tail, these woodpeckers possess a striking appearance.
Male vs female
There are subtle differences in coloration between male and female Pileated Woodpeckers. Specifically, both have a red crest but the males exhibit a red forehead and mustache while in female counterparts these parts are black. This is a key identifier determining the sex of these birds.
Juvenile
Juvenile Pileated Woodpeckers largely resemble adults in coloration though typically less vivid. As they mature, the coloration deepens, becoming more pronounced and vibrant. It is important to observe closely for these nuanced changes in plumage when birdwatching in the wild.
Size
15.7 - 19.3 in/8.8 - 12.3 oz
There's more to learn about Pileated Woodpecker
View full detailsHow to tell the Acorn Woodpecker from the Pileated Woodpecker
Visual differences
The Acorn Woodpecker (8-9 inches) is much smaller than the Pileated Woodpecker (17 inches). Acorn Woodpeckers feature a black back, white belly, and red crown, with a white face and black eye patch. Pileated Woodpeckers have a predominantly black body with a striking red crest, with males having a red mustache. Pileated wings show white underwings in flight. Notably, Acorn Woodpeckers have a more pointed bill, whereas the Pileated's bill is nearly as long as its head. The size and vibrant red crests are key distinguishing features.
Key differences and behavior
The Acorn Woodpecker, weighing 2.3-3.2 oz and 8-9 inches long, is highly social, forming cooperative breeding groups with complex social structures. They store up to 50,000 acorns in granaries. In contrast, the Pileated Woodpecker is solitary, weighs 9-12 oz, and is 16-19 inches long. It feeds primarily on ants, making up 60% of its diet, and is known for creating large nest cavities in dead trees or utility poles. Acorn Woodpeckers inhabit oak woodlands, whereas Pileated Woodpeckers prefer mature forests and hardwoods. Pileated Woodpeckers conduct elaborate courtship displays, unlike Acorn Woodpecker's communal dynamics. Both species forage at feeders, with Acorn Woodpeckers favoring seeds and nuts and Pileated Woodpeckers drawn to suet.
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