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Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Washington?

Yes, Pileated Woodpeckers are common year-round residents in Washington, particularly on the forested western side of the Cascade Range. They inhabit old-growth and mature forests from sea level to higher elevations. With their large size and striking red crest, these woodpeckers are among Washington's most distinctive forest birds.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.

Pileated Woodpecker photographed in Washington

Pileated Woodpecker · Thomas Koffel CC BY

Pileated Woodpecker photographed in Washington

Pileated Woodpecker · froggymum CC BY

Pileated Woodpecker photographed in Washington

Pileated Woodpecker · Shirley Zundell CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Washington
128,756
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

Yes, pileated woodpeckers are in Washington. Next you'll want:

Yes, Pileated Woodpeckers are common year-round residents in Washington, particularly on the forested western side of the Cascade Range. They inhabit old-growth and mature forests from sea level to higher elevations. With their large size and striking red crest, these woodpeckers are among Washington's most distinctive forest birds.

Where Pileated Woodpeckers Are Found in Washington

Pileated Woodpeckers are widely distributed throughout Washington's forested regions, with the highest densities occurring west of the Cascade Range where precipitation and forest cover are greatest. The Olympic Mountains and associated forests in western Washington provide excellent habitat with extensive old-growth Douglas-fir and hemlock stands. The North Cascades and surrounding national forest lands harbor useful populations. The Puget Sound lowlands contain numerous populations in mature forests and parks throughout the region. Mount Rainier National Forest supports these woodpeckers in suitable forest patches. The Columbia River Gorge and its forested slopes contain populations in Oregon white oak and coniferous forests. Mount St. Helens and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest provide extensive habitat in southwestern Washington. East of the Cascades, Pileated Woodpeckers are less common and occur only in the most suitable forest habitat, primarily in the Blue Mountains and Wallowa regions. These woodpeckers require large territories with adequate dead wood. TheWashington wildlife huboffers more information on state species. Mature forests with standing dead trees are essential for this species. Seethe Pileated Woodpecker guide for Washingtonfor more.

Season and Timing in Washington

Pileated Woodpeckers are permanent residents throughout Washington and do not undertake long-distance migrations. Their year-round presence reflects the relative mildness of western Washington's climate and the availability of food resources throughout the year. Late winter and early spring, from February through April, mark the peak activity period when birds establish territories and begin nest site selection and excavation. During this time, loud vocalizations and drumming echo through forests as pairs communicate and defend breeding territory. Egg laying typically occurs in April and early May, with incubation lasting about 12 to 14 days. Young fledge in June and early July, after which family groups may remain together briefly before dispersing. Fall and winter activity levels decline somewhat as the breeding season concludes, but birds remain vocal and active during foraging. Cold winters and snow do not drive Pileated Woodpeckers from Washington. Early morning hours, particularly during breeding season, offer the best opportunities for hearing and observing these birds. Seethe Washington wildlife guidefor more.

Identifying a Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpeckers are large, unmistakable birds that measure approximately 16 to 19 inches in length, making them the largest woodpecker species in Washington. The most striking feature is the bright red crest on the head, which is prominent and distinctive in both males and females. Males display additional red on the face and throat along a malar stripe running from the bill to the neck. Females lack the red facial markings and have a dark forehead instead. The body is predominantly black with white stripes along the sides of the neck and white patches visible under the wings in flight. The bill is long, pointed, and pale in color. The wings show dramatic white patches visible when the bird is in flight. These large woodpeckers produce loud, resonant vocalizations that sound like a high-pitched, slightly accelerating series of notes. Their drumming on trees is also distinctive, creating a rapid, hollow, and loud sound that is audible from considerable distances through the forest. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Where Sightings Concentrate in Washington

Pileated Woodpeckers concentrate in mature and old-growth forests with abundant dead wood and standing snags. Olympic National Park and the surrounding national forests provide reliable locations for encountering these birds. The Cascade Range and North Cascades region support higher densities of Pileated Woodpeckers than most other Washington locations. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwestern Washington is a productive location with numerous sightings annually. Riparian forests along major river valleys including the Columbia, Rogue, and other significant waterways support populations. Forest reserves and protected areas west of the Cascades consistently produce sightings. Parks and nature preserves in the Puget Sound region, including state parks with mature forest, regularly host these woodpeckers. The Columbia River Gorge area where it borders Washington provides scenic forest habitat. Dead and dying trees in old-growth and mature second-growth forest are most productive for locating foraging birds. Visit thewildlife main pageto explore other Washington species. Listen for their loud calls and listen for loud drumming sounds, which can be heard from far away in quiet forest settings.

Typical Behavior and Diet

Pileated Woodpeckers spend much of their time foraging on tree trunks, branches, and logs throughout the forest. Their primary diet consists of carpenter ants and other wood-boring insects, which they extract from wood by chiseling and excavating galleries. Wood-boring beetle larvae are also commonly taken. These woodpeckers supplement their diet with berries and other plant material, particularly from native trees and shrubs including dogwood and huckleberry. Foraging behavior is relatively methodical and quiet, though birds may drum on trees to communicate or establish territory. Pileated Woodpeckers are generally solitary or found in pairs rather than in flocks. Pairs remain bonded year-round and maintain their territories throughout the year. These birds tend to be somewhat wary of humans but can become habituated to human presence in parks and gardens where they are undisturbed. They are strong, powerful fliers that navigate through forest canopy with surprising agility despite their large size. Roosting typically occurs in cavities that birds have excavated, providing shelter from cold and predators. Both males and females participate in all major activities including drumming, calling, and nest excavation.

Coexistence and Legal Protections

Pileated Woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to harm, kill, or intentionally disturb these birds or their nests without federal permits. In Washington, these birds are classified as a protected wildlife species. These legal protections reflect their ecological importance and the values placed on forest biodiversity. When Pileated Woodpeckers nest in or near human structures, allowing them to proceed undisturbed is essential, particularly during the breeding season from February through July. Damage to wooden structures is generally minimal and occurs only when woodpeckers are attracted to insects within the wood. Dead trees on private property should be retained when safe to do so, as they provide essential foraging and nesting habitat. Pileated Woodpeckers create large cavities that many other species subsequently use for nesting, making their conservation beneficial for many forest species. Maintaining mature forest with adequate dead wood supports Pileated Woodpeckers and contributes to overall forest health and biodiversity. Understanding their ecological role and value fosters coexistence and appreciation for these distinctive forest birds.

Species Confused with Pileated Woodpeckers

Several woodpecker species in Washington might be mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers by inexperienced birders, though careful observation reveals clear differences. The Hairy Woodpecker is considerably smaller, measuring only 9 to 10 inches in length, and lacks the prominent red crest. Downy Woodpeckers are even smaller than Hairy Woodpeckers and also lack red coloring. The Red-breasted Sapsucker is smaller still and lacks the red crest and large size of Pileated Woodpeckers. Northern Flickers are large but have a brown back with spotted underparts and lack the distinctive red crest. Flickers display a white rump patch in flight that appears different from the white wing patches of Pileated Woodpeckers. The size difference between Pileated Woodpeckers at 16 to 19 inches and other Washington woodpecker species provides a useful field mark for identification. The bright red crest visible year-round on Pileated Woodpeckers is distinctive and present on no other Washington woodpecker species. The loud, distinctive vocalizations and drumming sounds help confirm identification in forested areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do Pileated Woodpeckers survive Washington winters? A: These birds are permanent residents adapted to winter conditions. They forage for insects beneath bark and in wood cavities and use roost cavities for shelter. Q: What size cavities do Pileated Woodpeckers excavate? A: Pileated Woodpeckers create large, rectangular cavities typically 3 to 4 inches wide and 12 to 15 inches or deeper. These are distinctive and much larger than other woodpecker cavities. Q: Are Pileated Woodpeckers protected by law? A: Yes, these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Washington state wildlife laws. Harming them or their nests without permits is illegal. Q: What time of year is best for observing Pileated Woodpeckers in Washington? A: Late winter through early summer is best, particularly February through June, when birds are most vocal during breeding season and easier to locate.

Plan your pileated woodpecker sighting in Washington

128,756 verified pileated woodpecker records have been logged in Washington, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Washington

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent pileated woodpecker sightings

  • Skokomish Valley Farms · 2026-07-20 20:05 · 1 seen
  • Point Defiance Park · 2026-07-20 17:26 · 2 seen
  • Seward Park · 2026-07-20 17:26 · 2 seen
  • 23916–23998 Mountain Hwy E, Spanaway US-WA (47.0386,-122.3844) · 2026-07-20 15:15 · 1 seen
  • Neah Bay--town and bay only · 2026-07-20 14:00 · 2 seen

Planning a trip to see pileated woodpecker? Find places to stay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve on Booking.com.

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