Head to head
Black Woodpecker vs Pileated Woodpecker
The black woodpecker and pileated woodpecker occupy a similar ecological role on different continents, both large, cavity-excavating woodpeckers whose work benefits far more than themselves.
| Black Woodpecker | Pileated Woodpecker | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dryocopus martius | Dryocopus pileatus |
| Native range | Europe and Asia | North America |
| Body colour | Almost entirely black | Black with a red crest |
| Primary prey | Ants, wood-boring larvae | Carpenter ants |
| Nest hole shape | Large, rectangular | Large, rectangular |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Increasing |
| Habitat | Forest | Forest, wetlands |
Black Woodpecker vs Pileated Woodpecker: common questions
Are the black woodpecker and pileated woodpecker closely related?
Both belong to the same genus, Dryocopus, and share a similar large size and rectangular nest-hole excavation habit, despite occupying entirely separate continents, Europe and Asia versus North America.
Why are the black woodpecker and pileated woodpecker considered ecosystem engineers?
Both species carve unusually large, rectangular nest holes that are later reused by a wide range of other animals, including owls, martens, and bats, unable to excavate cavities of their own.
How can you tell a black woodpecker from a pileated woodpecker?
The black woodpecker is almost entirely black except for a red crown, while the pileated woodpecker has a more contrasting black body with a bold red crest, along with differing ranges that never overlap.