The Pileated Woodpecker: A Bold Spirit of the Ozarks

In the heart of the Ozarks rugged hills and deep woodlands, a flash of crimson and the echo of powerful drumming often signals the presence of one of North America’s most striking birds: the pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). As the largest woodpecker species in Missouri, this bird is not only an impressive sight but also a vital part of the region’s forest ecosystem.

Pileated woodpeckers are about the size of a crow, with sleek black bodies, bold white stripes running down their necks, and a distinctive red crest that gives them a slightly prehistoric appearance. Males also sport a red “mustache” stripe that distinguishes them from females. Their loud, wild-sounding call—a series of resonant “kuk-kukkuk” notes—often rings out through the hardwood forests, cont page 16 announcing their presence long before they are seen. These birds depend on mature forests, particularly those with plenty of dead or decaying trees. In Southwest Missouri, they are commonly found in the oak-hickory woodlands of the Ozarks, including Corp land surrounding Table Rock Lake.

Pileated woodpeckers are cavity nesters, using their strong beaks to excavate large, rectangular holes in dead trees. These nesting cavities not only shelter the woodpeckers but also provide critical nesting and denning spaces for other forest creatures, including owls, squirrels, and bats. Their primary diet consists of insects, especially carpenter ants and beetle larvae, which they extract from wood using their chisel-like bills and long, sticky tongues. In winter, they supplement their diet with wild berries, nuts, and fruits, making them a year-round forager in Missouri’s forests.

Despite their current stability, pileated woodpeckers were once in decline due to widespread logging and habitat loss in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their resurgence is a conservation success story, highlighting the importance of preserving large tracts of mature forest. Today, seeing one is a strong indicator of a healthy woodland habitat.

Birdwatchers hoping to spot a pileated woodpecker should head out early in the morning, when the birds are most active. Look for freshly dug, rectangular holes in tree trunks or fallen logs—telltale signs of their feeding—and listen for their resonant drumming, which they use to establish territory and attract mates.

Observing a pileated woodpecker in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Their powerful presence and undisturbed behavior evoke a sense of wilderness that is increasingly rare in the modern world. They serve not only as a symbol of the Ozark woodlands but also as a reminder of nature’s resilience when given space and time to thrive.

In the dense forests of Southwest Missouri, the pileated woodpecker remains a hidden gem—a living echo of the wild places that still exist if we take the time to seek them out and protect them for generations to come.