Pileated Woodpecker Female Exploding From Nest!

Pileated Woodpecker exchange at the nest. the male arrives and the female explodes out of the hole past him.

then she flies off

to go feed

an he sits in the nest hole guarding the precious eggs, waiting for her to come back.

Pileated Woodpeckers are breeding now on Sanibel, FL. and we have seen several nests. The amazing thing is most of the Pileateds are in the same stage of breeding. They have just completed excavating their nest holes and are laying eggs, from 3-5. They will incubate for about 15 days and then the eggs will hatch. The young will then be fed in the nest for 28-32 days, then leave. 

Breeding information like this, as well as beautiful photos and ID info. is included in our new The Stokes Essential Pocket Guide to the Birds of North America, now available on amazon and in stores, just ready for spring!