pileated woodpecker

noun

1. a large, black-and-white American woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus, having a prominent red crest.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pileated woodpecker¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

If you’ve seen a pileated woodpecker—a thriving cousin of the ivory-billed—you know they are huge.

From Slate

A pileated woodpecker swooping tree to tree drew me to the school.

From New York Times

Anderson says “hard excavators,” such as the pileated woodpecker and northern flicker, will begin the process by hollowing out holes searching for insects.

From Seattle Times

He didn’t see much wildlife of note, though he did spot a pileated woodpecker with a vibrant red head, a falcon near its nest, and a few hawks.

From Seattle Times

The Washington Post published a front-page photo of her in a Karuk dress of dried bear grass, a woven basket cap and a white leather sash adorned with Pileated woodpecker scalps.

From Seattle Times