Pileated Woodpecker, Whitefish, Montana

Pileated Woodpecker listed as a species of concern by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park.
"Diet consists primarily of wood-dwelling ants and beetles that are extracted from down woody material and from standing live and dead trees. Fruit and mast of wild nuts when available" (Bull and Jackson 1995).
Note 1

Rat a Tat Tat

The Pileated Woodpecker can carve large holes in wooden siding in a very short time. Note 2
The red 'moustache' at the joint in the beak marks this Pileated Woodpecker a male. The Pileated Woodpecker builds a new nest every year. So if your building a house for them be prepared to move it every year.

Montana Field Guide
   Pileated Woodpecker

Texas Parks and Wildlife has published plans for a Pileated Woodpecker House to be placed adjacent to the carving done by the woodpecker.