This video was captured near Fort Dupont in Washington D.C. I have Pileated Woodpeckers in my backyard in Baden/ Brandywine, Maryland but never been able to get one on video.
This video also plays homage to Joyce Dowling, the founder of Brandywine, Maryland Facebook page in 2013. The F.B. page mainly showcase birds and nature. The web page Joyce designed Brandywinemd.com, has the complete history of Brandywine Maryland, including facts and events, also the people that shaped Brandywine, Maryland.
Ms. Dowling moved out of the area in 04/23, when I was graciously allowed to purchased both platforms sites from her. In 2026 anything you would like to share, especially local busines owners, farmers with events, job postings or would like a shoutout for your business, please message me or send an email to Web@Brandywinemd.com, it would be considered.
Pileated Woodpeckers – Mature Above, Juvenile Below – Sequim, WA – Know how to tell the difference and the sex? Read on! Juvenile vs. Adult Pileated Woodpecker – Key Differences1. Crest Shape & Texture • Juvenile: Crest is usually shorter, fluffier, and not as sharply defined. It may look a little unkempt or rounded. • Adult: Crest is longer, sleeker, and sharply pointed, especially prominent in males.2. Forehead Color • Juvenile: Often has a dusky gray or brownish forehead, not as vibrant as adults. • Adult Male: Forehead is bright red. • Adult Female: Forehead is black, making the red crest appear more set back.3. Moustache Stripe (malar stripe) • Juvenile: This can be duller or not fully developed. • Adult Male: Has a bright red malar stripe (the line running from the base of the beak down the cheek). • Adult Female: This stripe is black.4. Behavior • Juvenile: Often seen begging for food, fluttering wings, and calling loudly with a higher-pitched squeaky version of the adult call. • Adult: More composed behavior — feeding, drumming, and territorial calls.5. Overall Appearance • Juvenile: Slightly smaller body size, fluffier feathers, and less crisp contrast in markings. • Adult: Bold black-and-white contrast on face and body, with glossy black feathers.
If you caught the young one being fed, look for that dusky forehead and slightly fuzzy crest. The posture and begging behavior are also dead giveaways.
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