With a dramatic red crest, this is the Woody woodpecker stereotyped in the cartoons, and is in fact, unlike any other bird and largest extant bird of this order.

Fairly numerous, except in the desert areas of the rocky mountain states and very common in the southeast. However, there has been a decline in the eastern part of the continent, most likely due to logging of mature primeval forest, ie, habitat loss. Still, as second growth forest matures, this bird increases.

Favors carpenter ants but also eats other insect, acorns and fruit. Also feeds at suet but are very shy until they get to know you.

Large red crest, black back, white neck strip and under wings. Female lacks the red mustache and forehead. Juvenile are grayer and the red areas are orange.