First Signs of Spring in Ely Minnesota & the BWCAW

Although it is still only mid February, our first signs of spring are already happening in northern Minnesota and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Not only are the days getting longer, but during the day we have been hearing the distinctive hammering of the Pileated woodpecker beginning to make their nests for spring breeding.

Measuring 16-19 inches long with a red crest and black bill. You'll find these birds in mature forest with large trees. In our area their favorite tree is the Aspen tree.


The male Pileated has a red patch at the base of the bill whereas the female has a black patch at the base of the bill.

The territory of these birds can be 150-200 acres. Signs of their presence can be detected by looking for 3-6 inch holes in trees.

The nest cavity is excavated in dead wood 15-70 feet above ground. The entrance hole is about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. The depth of the cavity is between 10-24 inches deep.

Pileated Woodpeckers mate for life. A pair stays together throughout the whole year. They are territorial and tend to stay in their established territory for long periods of time. During breeding season, the Pileated Woodpecker fiercely defends its territory. However, during the winter, it can tolerate a few “floaters” – birds who just pass by.


The female will lay 3-5 white eggs which will be incubated for 15-16 days by both the male and female birds. Both male and female will also feed the nestlings. After 24 - 28 days the young will leave the nest.

The adults and young will stay together until fall. During this time the adult birds will continue to feed them and teach them how to find their own food. Around September, the family will break up and the young will find territories of their own.


Common predators include: Black snakes, Coopers Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Squirrels.

While not a rare bird, they can be quite shy and wary. Listen for a low-pitched drumming that trails off in speed and volume at the end. Follow the sound, and you just may find one.

Interesting Pileated Woodpecker Facts:

• The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest Woodpecker in North America.
• The roost of a Pileated Woodpecker usually has multiple entrance holes.
• The sound that a Pileated Woodpecker makes when boring a hole in a tree is so loud that it can be heard over long distances.
• Pileated Woodpeckers make very large holes in dead trees that sometimes the holes can cause a small tree to break in half!
• Pileated Woodpeckers have been observed to move their eggs which have fallen off the nest to another site. This is a rare habit with other birds.