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Pileated Woodpecker


Pileated Woodpecker
Photo Information
Copyright: PETER TAMAS (sirianul) Silver Note Writer [C: 0 W: 0 N: 88] (621)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-02-21
Categories: Birds
Camera: CANON 1Ds Mark III, Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-02-22 5:57
Viewed: 1171
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Pileated Woodpecker swallowing a bug...

Nearly as large as a crow, the Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in most of North America. Its loud ringing calls and huge, rectangular excavations in dead trees announce its presence in forests across the continent.

Cool Facts

The Pileated Woodpecker digs characteristically rectangular holes in trees to find ants. These excavations can be so broad and deep that they can cause small trees to break in half.


A Pileated Woodpecker pair stays together on its territory all year round. It will defend the territory in all seasons, but will tolerate floaters during the winter.


The feeding excavations of a Pileated Woodpecker are so extensive that they often attract other birds. Other woodpeckers, as well as House Wrens, may come and feed there.


The Pileated Woodpecker prefers large trees for nesting. In young forests, it will use any large trees remaining from before the forest was cut. Because these trees are larger than the rest of the forest, they present a lightning hazard to the nesting birds.

Description
topSize: 40-49 cm (16-19 in)
Wingspan: 66-75 cm (26-30 in)
Weight: 250-350 g (8.83-12.36 ounces)

Large woodpecker.
Red crest on head.
Black body.


White in wings, at base of primaries, and underwing linings.
White conspicuous in flight; at rest shows only as small white spot at front of wing.
Black and white stripes on face.
White stripe extending from base of bill down neck.
White stripe above eye and below crown.
Throat white.
Bill thick and silvery gray.
Yellowish feathers over nostrils.
Legs and feet grayish black.
Eyes yellow.

Sex Differences
Sexes similar, male has red crown and forehead and red in black mustache stripe. Female has gray to yellow-brown forehead and no red in mustache stripe.
zenitlady, Pentaxfriend has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Peter,
great shot. How did you manage to get so close to it? Even if it has been cropped you must have been very near.
regards
Pierre

Hi Peter
Really impressive! Almost a macro ! Looks like you were 3m away with a 400mm ! We still can see the bug, half swallowed
Not much to be said except " Gorgeous"
regards
patrick

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1168 W: 261 N: 3035] (13835)
  • [2009-02-22 6:55]

Hi Peter,

A great macro capture (you can almost call it),well captured with good detail,you can even see the insect in its beak,well done and tfs

Paul

Hello Peter! Amazing colour and detail on this very fine shot! You've even caught the bug on his tongue! Can see the claws in great detail as well. Very well done! TFS, Linda

Hi Peter,

Excellent close-up
Perfect sharp details
lovely POV and catchlight
Great colors

TFS Thijs

hello Peter
great picture
beautiful colours
super details
nice to see this bird so close
greeting lou

  • Great 
  • Scott Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 224 W: 0 N: 316] (1540)
  • [2009-02-22 11:22]

Peter,

Very sharp, great exposure. Thanks for the note.

Scott

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2388 W: 94 N: 5521] (17576)
  • [2009-02-22 12:24]

Hello Peter,
Excellent sharp details in this photo. How close can you come? Beautiful clear colours, almost overexposed in the red and whites. Good OOF BG.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • lise Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 172 W: 51 N: 548] (2875)
  • [2009-02-22 12:38]

Hi Peter,
Very good close-up of this woodpecker.
Wonderful photo with amazing sharpness and nice natural colors. I like that bright red head.
Lise

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