Quick Answer
Yes, there are pileated woodpeckers found in New Hampshire. The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker found in most of North America and it inhabits mature forests across the eastern United States and Canada, including New Hampshire. These crow-sized woodpeckers play an important ecological role by excavating large cavities in dead trees that provide crucial nesting and shelter sites for other wildlife species. Keep reading to learn more about the distribution, identification, behavior, habitat, and conservation status of pileated woodpeckers in New Hampshire.
Introduction
The pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is a large, crow-sized woodpecker native to mature forests of North America. With its distinctive red crest, black and white coloration, and loud, hammering call, the pileated woodpecker is hard to miss when encountered. These woodpeckers use their long, chisel-like bills to excavate large, rectangular holes in dead trees in search of carpenter ants and other insect prey. The holes they create provide crucial nesting and roosting sites for many other species of birds and mammals.
New Hampshire represents the northeastern edge of the pileated woodpecker’s range in North America. As a predominately forested state with ample mature forest habitat, New Hampshire provides important territory for pileated woodpeckers in the region. Understanding the distribution, identification, behavior, preferred habitat, and conservation status of New Hampshire’s pileated woodpecker population can help residents appreciate these striking birds and make informed decisions regarding forest management that may impact their future.
Distribution in New Hampshire
Pileated woodpeckers are found throughout most of New Hampshire, though they are mostly absent from the highest peaks of the White Mountains. According to records from the New Hampshire Bird Records, pileated woodpeckers have been documented in all 10 counties in the state. They are most frequently reported in areas with large tracts of mature forest, such as the White Mountain National Forest.
The New Hampshire Audubon estimates the statewide population of pileated woodpeckers to be around 3,000 breeding pairs. However, their populations fluctuate locally in response to habitat change. Pileated woodpeckers were nearly extirpated from the state in the early 1900s due to extensive logging, but rebounded as forests regrew. Their numbers are once again declining in areas with increased fragmentation and development. Maintaining contiguous mature forest is crucial for sustaining New Hampshire’s pileated woodpecker population.
Identification
With a body about the size of a crow and striking plumage, adult pileated woodpeckers are nearly unmistakable. Distinctive identification features include:
– Large size – 15-19 inches in length with a wingspan around 28 inches
– Mostly black body with prominent white stripes on the face and throat
– Bright red crest on the head (males also have a red stripe or “mustache” on the cheek)
– White underwings visible in flight
– Long, straight, chisel-like bill (2-3 inches long)
– Loud, ringing, hammering call unlike smaller woodpeckers
Male and female pileated woodpeckers look very similar, though females lack the red mustache stripe on the cheek. Immature birds have a black crest and cheek stripe until they molt into adult plumage around 1 year old. In flight, watch for the distinctive underwing pattern to distinguish them from other woodpecker species. Pileated woodpeckers sometimes excavate rectangular holes in trees in search of carpenter ants, leaving telltale signs of their presence.
Behavior
Pileated woodpeckers exhibit behaviors typical of most woodpecker species. They use their sharp, chisel-like bills to hammer and excavate holes in trees in search of wood-boring beetle larvae and carpenter ants, their primary prey. The pounding of their hammering can be heard from over a quarter mile away. Pileated woodpeckers also use their bills to excavate large rectangular cavities in dead trees for roosting and nesting.
These woodpeckers are non-migratory, residing year-round within their established territories. Pairs remain together on territories spanning around 100 acres of forest habitat. They defend their territory from intruders with their loud calls and bill jabbing displays. Each pair typically raises a single brood per year, with peak breeding activity from April to June. Both sexes help incubate the eggs and feed the young. Young pileated woodpeckers remain with their parents up to 6 months after fledging.
Habitat
Pileated woodpeckers strongly prefer mature deciduous or mixed forests with an abundance of dead and dying trees. Prime habitat includes forests with a relatively open understory that allows the birds to fly freely beneath the canopy. Forest tracts of around 240 acres or more are optimal to encompass a breeding pair’s entire territory.
Critical habitat components are standing dead trees (snags) and fallen logs for foraging, as well as dead or partially dead trees with heartwood decay for nesting and roosting cavities. Pileated woodpeckers often excavate cavities in tree species such as aspen, birch, maple, and hemlock. Oak forests are also favored due to the abundance of carpenter ants under the bark. Though pileated woodpeckers reside in wooded areas year-round, they can occasionally venture into semi-open areas with scattered large trees in search of food.
Conservation Status
Overall, pileated woodpecker numbers are stable across much of the eastern United States following declines in the early 20th century. However, they are a species of conservation concern in the Northeast due to habitat loss. In New Hampshire, pileated woodpeckers are listed as a Species of Special Concern by the NH Wildlife Action Plan. Their preferred mature forest habitat has declined due to development and logging. Fragmentation of remaining habitat also negatively impacts their populations.
To help conserve pileated woodpeckers in New Hampshire, land management efforts that maintain contiguous tracts of mature forest are recommended. Retaining standing dead trees and fallen logs on public and private forest lands provides crucial foraging and nesting sites. Pileated woodpeckers serve as an “umbrella” species – habitat that supports viable breeding populations of pileateds will also benefit many other forest-dwelling wildlife species with similar habitat requirements. Protecting sufficient mature forest to sustain pileated woodpecker populations is important for maintaining biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Here are some additional interesting facts about the pileated woodpecker:
- The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker species found in most of North America.
- Its name comes from the Latin word “pileatus” meaning “capped” referring to its prominent red crest.
- Pileateds are considered ecological engineers since the cavities they excavate are used by many other animal species.
- Their excavations help aerate tree trunks and accelerate dead wood decomposition.
- A mating pair stays together on the same territory for life, up to 20 years for some pairs.
- Their tongue can extend up to 2-1/2 inches past the end of the bill to capture carpenter ants.
- The oldest known wild pileated woodpecker was over 12 years old.
- Lewis’s Woodpecker is their closest living relative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about pileated woodpeckers in New Hampshire:
Where are the best places to see pileated woodpeckers in NH?
Some top sites include White Mountain National Forest, Pawtuckaway State Park, Bear Brook State Park, Pisgah State Park, and Weeks State Park. Any sufficiently large tract of mature forest has potential for supporting pileated woodpeckers.
What is the pileated woodpecker’s conservation status in New Hampshire?
Pileated woodpeckers are listed as a Species of Special Concern in New Hampshire by the NH Wildlife Action Plan. Though still relatively widespread, their preferred mature forest habitat has been reduced.
How can I attract pileated woodpeckers to my property?
Leave standing dead trees and fallen logs to provide foraging sites. Avoid removing dead limbs from live trees. You can also install a suet feeder specifically designed for larger woodpeckers. Focus on preserving or restoring mature forest habitat whenever possible.
What does pileated woodpecker damage on trees look like?
Pileated woodpeckers excavate large, rectangular holes in search of carpenter ants and other insects. Their holes are larger than those made by smaller woodpeckers. They also flake off outer tree layers with their chiseling. Extensive excavation can lead to tree health decline, but is part of the natural ecosystem.
What kind of habitat and home range do pileated woodpeckers need?
Pileated woodpeckers require a territory of around 100-240 acres of mature deciduous or mixed forest with a relatively open understory. They excavate roost and nest cavities in dead or partially dead trees within their territory. Pairs mate for life and often use the same trees annually.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pileated woodpeckers are impressive, crow-sized woodpeckers that hold an important ecological role in New Hampshire’s forests. They are found throughout much of the state in mature forest habitat, though their numbers have declined due to logging and development. Residents can help conserve these birds by protecting existing habitat and retaining dead and dying trees. Observing pileated woodpeckers excavating nesting cavities with their loud hammering is a highlight for many birdwatchers and hikers exploring New Hampshire’s woodlands. With appropriate habitat management, New Hampshire’s forests should continue supporting healthy populations of these striking woodpeckers well into the future.