From deep in the shadows deep in the winter forest, the loud cry of a pileated woodpecker echoed through the trees.
The giant woodpecker, one of the most wary of all Wisconsin birds, hammered a tell-tale blow - three loud, hollow booms - then cried out again. From a distance, a second bird, likely the other half of the pair, cried out in response. Then silence.
These are the "ghost birds," one of Wisconsin's most mystical and revered birds. With giant crested heads in flaming scarlet, striking black-and-white plumage and a haunting, nasal cry, the pileated woodpecker is a bird of mystery to many who wander the woodlands of our state.
While not a rare bird, the pileated woodpecker is rarely seen by most casual observers. Even expert birders often are able only to catch brief, scant images of these giant, crow-sized woodpeckers in the deep woodlands they call home. In areas where they are more common, pileated woodpeckers are sometimes attracted to backyard feeders, where they present a stunning show.
Now, as March rolls in, woodpeckers of all species are in the throes of courtship. Woodpeckers drum in late winter and early spring to attract mates or strengthen pair bonds.
Wisconsin is home to many colorful woodpecker species, most of which are found in our area year-round. A few, such as the yellow-bellied sapsucker, red-headed woodpecker and northern flicker, are more migratory than others and most of these will leave our state during winter.
As I walked along the trail at Fallen Timbers Environmental Center, following the drumming of the pileated woodpecker in the distance, their loud cries periodically rose from the shadows.
Both sexes will drum to solicit mating - not just the males. Late in winter, the male will initiate drumming to establish and defend a nesting territory. A pair of pileated woodpeckers will remain on territory year-round but will begin defending it more rigorously late in winter. Intruder birds may be tolerated earlier in winter.
The courtship drumming of the pileated woodpecker is a slow, rolling drum, somewhat different than the hyper-speed drumming of Wisconsin's other, smaller woodpecker species. Both male and female participate. In addition to the drumming, the birds will also dance among the forest trees.
The beauty of the dance of the pileated woodpecker is in its sweetness and the matched movements of each of the birds. Courting pairs will bob and dance together in unison around the trunks of trees, from stumps and snags, even on the ground. Heads and necks will bob and weave, stretch and coil, sway side to side and the birds will jump, leap and burst into short, acrobatic flight, all for the sake of bonding.
Woodpeckers will also drum to summon their mate from a distance or to announce an intruder near the nest.
Pileated woodpeckers are found where large, mature trees dominate the landscape. For this reason, extensively managed young forests are generally not suitable habitat. The birds require large trees for nesting.
A century ago, pileated woodopeckers had nearly disappeared from the state, due to habitat loss and shooting. The population has been on the upswing ever since, due to habitat preservation and forest management practices. Preservation of snags and large, mature trees are essential for nesting birds.
As I followed a turn in the trail along the edge of a large maple stand, I noticed the distinct signs of foraging pileated woodpeckers - large trees stripped of bark and wood and large, three- to four-inch, rectangular holes.
Suddenly, I saw the massive shadow of one of the birds lift from the base of a stripped tree trunk, rising silently up into the bare branches to perch behind a large tree. In a split second, the striking wings in brilliant white and jet black, flashed in the winter woods, and the cry of the bird filled the clearing. My heart pounded with excitement as the sight of this ghost bird filled my senses.
Other Wisconsin woodpeckers now actively drumming include the downy woodpecker, a small, black-and-white bird that is exceptionally feeder friendly, and the hairy woodpecker, which is similar but noticeably larger than the downy.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a striking bird with a black-and-white "ladder-striped" back, tan underparts and head marked in striking scarlet.
Soon, other species such as the northern flicker, with it's tell-tale "monkey" cry, the red-headed woodpecker (black and white with a deep, ruby red head) and yellow-bellied sapsucker (black and white with a head dressed in red, white and black and distinct lemon-yellow breast) will return to our woodlands and parks.
- Robert Zimmer: 920-993-1000, ext. 7154, or email@example.com