At a height of around 17 inches, pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America (unless someone finds a live Ivory-billed). They are found in dense mature forests throughout Canada, and in the eastern half of the USA.
Rarely seen, they are a birdwatchers delight when they are spotted. If you’re looking for them in the woods, look for the long rectangular or oval holes they have excavated. Both males and females have the red cap, but that of the male is more extensive.
This video gives a perfect view of the unique woodpecker body type, with their legs facing forward for gripping, instead of down for walking.
Pileated Woodpecker from Kevin Mims on Vimeo.
i feed them store bought suet and they really like it , also feed other birds sunflower seed all winter long
have seen the pilated woodpecker in my backyard all winter, also 2 smaller woodpeckers, the downy.