Dryocopus piletatus
A somewhat uncommon, large, 19 inch bird, native to Virginia all year round.
Males are bright red crest with a red mustache on the face, and long grey bill. They have a black body and white markings on face, throat and neck. A thin black line through eye and white wing patch.
Females are the same as males except, their mustache is black.
Juveniles are the similar to adults but a dull brown color.
Pileated Woodpeckers eat insects and occasionally suet. They like to live in wooded areas and drill rectangular shape holes in dead trees. They are the largest woodpecker in our area.