Are There Pileated Woodpeckers in Wyoming?

Pileated Woodpeckers are extremely rare in Wyoming and largely absent from most of the state. These birds occur only in limited forested areas of northwestern Wyoming where suitable habitat exists. Wyoming's arid climate and limited old-growth forest coverage make it unsuitable for most Pileated Woodpecker populations. Sightings are exceptionally uncommon and possible only in the most forested regions.

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 Wyoming — Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Found in Wyoming

25
GBIF records: 6
birding hotspots

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

Where Pileated Woodpeckers Are Found in Wyoming

Pileated Woodpeckers are virtually absent throughout most of Wyoming due to the state's predominantly arid and semi-arid climate and limited suitable forest habitat. The species occurs only in limited forested areas of northwestern Wyoming, primarily in regions with extensive old-growth or mature forest. The Shoshone National Forest near Cody and the surrounding areas of northwestern Wyoming represent the most likely location for Pileated Woodpeckers in the state, though sightings remain extremely rare. The Absaroka Range and adjacent forests may provide marginal habitat, though presence is unconfirmed in many areas. The Bighorn Mountains potentially contain Pileated Woodpeckers in the most extensively forested sections, though the drier eastern slopes are unlikely to support populations. The Wind River valley area contains some suitable forest but remains marginal habitat. The Medicine Bow Mountains contain forests but are generally too dry and sparsely forested for Pileated Woodpeckers. The Bridger-Teton National Forest and forests near Grand Teton National Park provide some suitable habitat in Wyoming's most forested regions. Most of Wyoming lacks the extensive old-growth deciduous and mixed forests required by this species. Visit theWyoming wildlife hubto learn about species that are actually common there. Seethe Pileated Woodpecker guide for Wyomingfor more.

Season and Timing in Wyoming

Given the extreme rarity of Pileated Woodpeckers in Wyoming, year-round presence cannot be confirmed for most of the state. Should these birds occur in northwestern Wyoming forests, they would likely be permanent residents that remain year-round rather than undertaking seasonal migrations. If present, late winter and early spring activity would potentially increase as birds establish territories and seek nesting sites, typically from February through April. Drumming and calling would be most frequent during breeding season if populations exist, though observers should recognize that any such activity would be exceptionally rare. Egg laying would theoretically occur in April, with fledging in June or early July if breeding occurs. Fall and winter months would see reduced vocal activity if these birds persist in Wyoming's limited suitable habitat. The cold, harsh Wyoming winters would further limit survival for Pileated Woodpeckers if marginal populations exist. Most birdwatchers visiting Wyoming should not expect to encounter Pileated Woodpeckers, as the species is essentially absent for practical birding purposes. The scarcity of this species in Wyoming means that documented sightings are of considerable birding interest when they do occur. Birders interested in seeing Pileated Woodpeckers should travel to states with established, common populations. Seethe Wyoming wildlife guidefor more.

Identifying a Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpeckers are large, distinctive birds measuring approximately 16 to 19 inches in length, making them the largest woodpecker species wherever they occur. 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. Their drumming on trees creates a rapid, hollow, and loud sound that carries considerable distance. However, Wyoming birders are very unlikely to encounter these distinctive birds in the state. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Where Sightings Concentrate in Wyoming

Pileated Woodpecker sightings in Wyoming are so rare that specific concentration areas cannot be reliably identified. Any sightings would most likely occur in the most extensively forested portions of northwestern Wyoming, particularly in the Shoshone National Forest region near Cody and the surrounding national forest lands. The Absaroka Range and its more densely forested sections represent the most likely areas for any Wyoming occurrence. The Bighorn Mountains, if they host any Pileated Woodpeckers, would be limited to the most extensively forested western and northern slopes with mature trees and adequate dead wood. The Wind River valley possibly contains marginal habitat, though sightings are not documented. The Bridger-Teton National Forest and forests adjacent to Grand Teton National Park provide Wyoming's most extensive old-growth forest but even these areas are generally too dry to consistently support Pileated Woodpecker populations. Dead trees and snags in the most mature forest stands would theoretically provide optimal foraging habitat. Birders interested in finding these rare Wyoming birds should focus on Shoshone National Forest and contact local birding organizations for any recent sighting records. Most Wyoming birders searching for Pileated Woodpeckers should refer to thewildlife huband consider traveling to neighboring states with established populations.

Typical Behavior and Diet

Pileated Woodpeckers, should they occur in Wyoming, would spend much of their time foraging on tree trunks, branches, and fallen logs in suitable forest habitat. 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 when available. 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 and cautious. They are powerful fliers that navigate through forest with surprising agility. Roosting typically occurs in cavities that birds have excavated, providing essential shelter from cold, precipitation, and predators. The scarcity of suitable habitat in Wyoming would severely limit population size and behavior patterns if the species occurs there.

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. Wyoming state wildlife laws also provide protection for this species. These legal protections apply throughout the state even though the species is essentially absent from Wyoming. Should Pileated Woodpeckers nest in or near human structures in Wyoming, it would be essential to allow them to proceed undisturbed during breeding season, typically extending from February through July. Damage to wooden structures would be minimal and would only occur if woodpeckers were attracted to insects within the wood. Dead trees on private property should be retained when safe to do so, as they would provide essential foraging and nesting habitat for any rare Wyoming birds. Pileated Woodpeckers create large cavities that other species subsequently use for nesting, benefiting broader forest communities. Maintaining any available mature forest with dead wood would support Pileated Woodpeckers should they expand into Wyoming and contributes to forest health. Any documented Wyoming sighting should be reported to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and local birding organizations.

Species Confused with Pileated Woodpeckers

Several woodpecker species in Wyoming might theoretically be mistaken for Pileated Woodpeckers by inexperienced birders, though this confusion is unlikely given the extreme rarity of Pileated Woodpeckers in the state. 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-naped Sapsucker has red on the head but is considerably smaller and has a more delicate bill. 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 differs from the white wing patches of Pileated Woodpeckers. The size difference between theoretical Pileated Woodpeckers at 16 to 19 inches and Wyoming's resident woodpecker species provides a useful field mark. The bright red crest visible year-round would be distinctive compared to other Wyoming woodpeckers. Any credible Wyoming sighting of a Pileated Woodpecker should be carefully documented with photographs or detailed descriptions for verification purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Has a Pileated Woodpecker ever been confirmed in Wyoming? A: Confirmed sightings are extremely rare and may be absent from verified recent records. Marginal populations may occur in northwestern Wyoming forests. Q: Where are the nearest Pileated Woodpecker populations to Wyoming? A: Common populations occur in Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, and throughout eastern deciduous forests. Montana and Colorado may have populations closer to Wyoming. Q: What habitat would Pileated Woodpeckers need in Wyoming? A: These birds require extensive old-growth or mature forest with abundant dead wood, which is limited in Wyoming's predominantly arid landscape. Q: Should I expect to see Pileated Woodpeckers in Wyoming? A: Sightings are extremely rare and unlikely for most Wyoming birders. Travel to states with established populations for reliable viewing opportunities.

Plan your pileated woodpecker sighting in Wyoming

25 verified pileated woodpecker records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2024. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Wyoming

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Devils Tower National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Fossil Butte National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Grand Teton National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
California National Historic Trail · Find hotels
Wyoming Hereford Ranch · 274 species recorded
Hutton Lake NWR · 235 species recorded
Laramie River Greenbelt Trail · 233 species recorded
Wyoming Hereford Ranch Reservoir #1 · 229 species recorded
Lions Park (Cheyenne) · 228 species recorded
McManamen Park · 228 species recorded

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Planning a trip to see pileated woodpecker? Find places to stay near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on Booking.com.

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