The Pileated Woodpecker. Natures answer to the one-man demolition crew. Wow! Can they hammer chips off a dead tree in a hurry! They are truly woodland jack hammers. Their markings are stunning. Their flight is as unique as their call. Beautiful birds – unless they have taken a liking to the wood siding on your home! My neighbor has a tenuous relationship with the Pileated Woodpecker. The birds savor his siding. Large, gaping holes on the exterior of his abode are testimony to the destruction these birds can create.
Why do they hammer open trees – and siding? Pileated Woodpeckers are doing nothing more than looking for food. In the case of wood siding, the material may have a little decay – or it may be sappy. Insects may have taken up residence – on your residence. Only the Pileated knows!
Is it a Pileated or the Rising Phoenix?
The featured photo is a favorite of mine. Little more than a silhouette, one can readily identify the bird by it’s outline. But the outline reminds me of something else. The Rising Phoenix. Maybe it’s just me. I have quite a vivid imagination. The outstretched wings are probably creating the similarity in my head. Also, I like the silhouette.
The Woodland Jack Hammer! Out to create a little early evening carnage on one of the Red Oak trees on the property. It’s OK, though. I have over a hundred Red Oak covering the land. Pileated Paradise! Amongst that number there are several dead Oak. I leave them standing as they would not cause any damage if they fell. Plus, the Woodland Jack Hammers love them! I have a nice collection of Pileated Woodpeckers at my website, the RedBarnProject. Take a moment to check them out! They have their own Gallery. One of 20 Galleries featured on my site.
Uniquely designed to be woodland jack hammers
The Pileated Woodpecker – and woodpeckers in general – are uniquely designed to hammer on trees – up to 20 raps per second! They have a specialized bone in their tongue that serves as a shock absorber. Their beaks are especially rigid and powerful to endure the beating they take. Additionally, their skulls are harder and tougher than other birds with less brain fluid, to prevent damage to the brain by the concussive hammering.
Leverage is gained by a combination of very strong claws and extremely stiff tail feathers. If you have the opportunity to watch a Pileated at work, take note of how it uses its tail feathers to brace up against the trunk of a tree. Truly a fascinating bird! Imagine banging your head against a wall 20 times per second. (Some days I feel that’s what I’m doing!) We’re talking concussion city. Not so for the Pileated.
The most distinctive feature of the woodland jack hammers
Growing up, I watched Woody Woodpecker. (See where I’m going with this?) The most distinctive feature of the Pileated Woodpecker is the raucous laughter that is his call. Pileated Woodpeckers nest on the property. Families of Pileateds travel in ‘packs’ searching for food and learning how to search for food. As they navigate from tree to tree they rip off their distinctive call. It’s Pileated Party Time!
Symbolism of the Pileated Woodpecker
Ancient cultures saw the Pileated Woodpecker as a symbol of spiritual healing, good fortune and prosperity. In other cultures, the Pileated represented hard work, determination and perseverance. To me personally, they symbolize a fun-loving spirit. Something we should all strive for. Take time to laugh out loud – maybe not exactly like a Pileated laughs, you might get locked up! But laugh every day. It is healthy. I guarantee a good belly laugh will make you feel better. And do something fun – something you enjoy doing. Again, that may not be banging your head against a wall but you get the idea!
And speaking of fun, have you checked out the sale I’m running at the RedBarnProject? It was announced in this posting and is only being offered for a limited time. Check out my pricing. You can do so by clicking any individual photo and going to the left column and making a selection from one of the print types I offer. You will see some extremely competitive pricing – and you still get another 20% off that price! Amazing.
Well, that’s a wrap. I hope you enjoyed this post. It features one of my favorite woodland birds. The Pileated Woodpecker. Get out in nature and look for one yourself. Or, just listen for one. Their call will make you smile! Peace.
