Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Wisconsin?
Yes, Pileated Woodpeckers are common year-round residents in Wisconsin, with higher densities in northern and eastern regions with extensive forests. They inhabit deciduous and mixed forests throughout the state. With their large size and striking red crest, these woodpeckers are among Wisconsin's most distinctive forest birds. These birds remain present throughout the year in suitable forest habitat.
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 · Thomas Koffel CC BY
Pileated Woodpecker · froggymum CC BY
Pileated Woodpecker · Shirley Zundell CC BY
- 143,686
- GBIF records
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- birding hotspots
Yes, pileated woodpeckers are in Wisconsin. Next you'll want:
Yes, Pileated Woodpeckers are common year-round residents in Wisconsin, with higher densities in northern and eastern regions with extensive forests. They inhabit deciduous and mixed forests throughout the state. With their large size and striking red crest, these woodpeckers are among Wisconsin's most distinctive forest birds. These birds remain present throughout the year in suitable forest habitat.
Where Pileated Woodpeckers Are Found in Wisconsin
Pileated Woodpeckers occur throughout Wisconsin, with the highest densities in northern regions where extensive forests provide optimal habitat. The Wisconsin Northwoods, including forests of Vilas County, Iron County, and Ashland County, support useful populations. Superior National Forest and surrounding state forests in northwestern Wisconsin provide excellent habitat with abundant old-growth and mature second-growth forest. The Door County peninsula contains populations in mixed hardwood and conifer forests along Lake Michigan shores. Eastern Wisconsin's forests, including Menominee Indian Reservation lands, support populations in deciduous forests. The Wisconsin River valley and surrounding areas provide suitable habitat through central regions. Forests in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin contain lower densities of Pileated Woodpeckers due to more fragmented landscape, but populations persist. Devil's Lake State Park and other state parks and forests throughout Wisconsin harbor these woodpeckers. The Green Bay area and adjacent forests support populations. These woodpeckers require large territories with adequate dead wood for foraging and nesting. Visit theWisconsin wildlife guidefor more state information. Seethe Pileated Woodpecker guide for Wisconsinfor more.
Season and Timing in Wisconsin
Pileated Woodpeckers are permanent residents throughout Wisconsin, remaining in the state year-round without undertaking seasonal migrations. Their year-round presence in Wisconsin reflects adaptation to northern winters and adequate food resources available through all seasons. Late winter and early spring, from late January through April, mark the most active period when birds establish territories and begin nest site selection. During this time, loud calls and drumming sounds are frequently heard throughout forests as pairs communicate and defend breeding territory. Egg laying typically occurs in April, with incubation lasting about 12 to 14 days. Young fledge in June and early July after approximately 24 to 26 days in the nest. Family groups may remain together briefly following fledging before dispersing to individual foraging areas. Fall and early winter bring somewhat reduced vocal activity as breeding concludes, but birds remain active in foraging. Cold Wisconsin winters and heavy snow do not drive these woodpeckers from the state. They utilize roost cavities for shelter and continue foraging on dead wood and beneath bark. Seethe Wisconsin wildlife guidefor more.
Identifying a Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpeckers are large, unmistakable birds measuring approximately 16 to 19 inches in length, making them the largest woodpecker species in Wisconsin. The most striking and recognizable feature is the bright red crest on the head, which is prominent and erectile in both males and females. Males display additional red on the face and throat, featuring a red malar stripe running from the bill to the neck. Females lack the red facial markings but retain the red crest and display a dark forehead. 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 that become visible when the bird is in flight. These large woodpeckers produce loud, distinctive vocalizations that sound like a high-pitched series of notes that slightly accelerates. Their drumming on trees creates a rapid, hollow, and loud sound that is audible from considerable distances. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Wisconsin
Pileated Woodpeckers concentrate in mature deciduous and mixed forests with abundant dead wood and standing snags. The Wisconsin Northwoods, particularly in Vilas County and Iron County, offer reliable locations for encountering these birds. Superior National Forest and surrounding state forest lands provide excellent viewing opportunities. The Door County peninsula with its mixed hardwood forests regularly produces sightings. State parks throughout Wisconsin with mature forest stands, including Devil's Lake State Park, regularly host Pileated Woodpeckers. Riparian forests along major river valleys, including the Wisconsin River and other significant waterways, support populations. The Menominee Indian Reservation lands contain suitable habitat and populations. Forests near the Green Bay area and throughout eastern Wisconsin provide viewing opportunities. Dead trees and snags in old-growth and mature second-growth forests are most productive for locating foraging birds. Thewildlife main huboffers information on other Wisconsin species. Protected forests and wilderness areas support higher densities than more fragmented or developed landscapes throughout the state.
Typical Behavior and Diet
Pileated Woodpeckers spend much of their time foraging on tree trunks, branches, and fallen logs throughout Wisconsin forests. Their primary diet consists of carpenter ants and other wood-boring insects that they extract from wood by powerful chiseling and excavating. Beetle larvae and other insects found in dead wood comprise a significant portion of their diet. These woodpeckers supplement their diet with berries and plant material from native trees and shrubs including dogwood, service berry, and wild grape. Foraging behavior is relatively methodical and quiet, though birds may drum on trees to communicate or establish territorial boundaries. Pileated Woodpeckers are generally solitary or found in pairs rather than in flocks or mixed species associations. Pairs remain bonded year-round and actively defend their territories throughout all seasons. These birds tend to be somewhat wary of humans but can become habituated to human presence in parks and undisturbed areas. They are powerful fliers that navigate through dense forest with surprising agility despite their large size. Roosting typically occurs in cavities that birds have excavated, providing essential shelter from cold, precipitation, and predators.
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. Wisconsin state wildlife laws also provide protection for these species. These legal protections reflect the ecological importance of Pileated Woodpeckers and the values placed on maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and wildlife populations. When Pileated Woodpeckers nest in or near human structures, it is essential to allow them to proceed undisturbed during breeding season, which typically extends 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 multiple forest species including flying squirrels and other cavity nesters. Maintaining mature forest with adequate dead wood supports Pileated Woodpeckers and contributes to overall forest health and biodiversity.
Species Confused with Pileated Woodpeckers
Several woodpecker species in Wisconsin might be mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers by inexperienced birders, though careful observation reveals clear differences. The Hairy Woodpecker is much smaller, measuring only 9 to 10 inches in length, and lacks the prominent red crest. Downy Woodpeckers are even smaller than Hairy Woodpeckers and lack red coloring entirely. The Red-bellied Woodpecker has red on the back of the head and belly but lacks the full red crest and is smaller. 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, which differs from the white wing patches of Pileated Woodpeckers. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have red on the head but are considerably smaller and have a more delicate bill. The size difference between Pileated Woodpeckers at 16 to 19 inches and other Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin woodpecker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Pileated Woodpeckers stay in Wisconsin during winter? A: Yes, Pileated Woodpeckers are permanent residents and remain in Wisconsin year-round, even through harsh winters. Q: What size cavities do they excavate in Wisconsin? A: Pileated Woodpeckers create large, rectangular cavities typically 3 to 4 inches wide and 12 to 15 inches deep or deeper, much larger than other Wisconsin woodpeckers. Q: What is the primary diet of Pileated Woodpeckers? A: Carpenter ants comprise the bulk of their diet, along with beetle larvae and other wood-boring insects extracted from dead wood. Q: Are Pileated Woodpeckers protected in Wisconsin? A: Yes, these birds are protected under federal and state wildlife laws, making it illegal to harm them or their nests without proper permits.
Plan your pileated woodpecker sighting in Wisconsin
143,686 verified pileated woodpecker records have been logged in Wisconsin, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Wisconsin
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Horicon NWR (general) (please use more precise locations) · 299 species recorded
- Manitowoc Lakefront · 298 species recorded
- Harrington Beach SP · 287 species recorded
- Wisconsin Pt. (general) · 285 species recorded
- Wind Point (Lighthouse and Shoop Park) · 282 species recorded
- UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve (general) · 281 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent pileated woodpecker sightings
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- Camping · 2026-07-20 14:24 · 1 seen
- 9th Street Yard · 2026-07-20 12:15 · 2 seen