Posted by Neal on May 09, 2003 at 15:21:55:
In Reply to: Sighting Large Woodpecker in South Miami posted by AT on May 09, 2003 at 14:58:26:
You have just seen a Pileated Woodpecker, very nicely described by you. They are not common locally but are around. Matheson Hammock has a family group. The red crest if from nearly the mandible to the back of head would be the male. The females crest is smaller and more like a cap on the back of the head. This is one of my favorite birds so I was pleased to see you saw one.
: Time/date: 6PM/ May 8, 2003
: Place: Sunset Drive and Erwin Rd (near Pinewood Cementary)
: Bird: Exceptionally large woodpecker. Black body & wings, white markings at underside of wings, long slender neck, round distinct head, black face with white stripes across cheeks and eyes, large bright red crest.
: Initially saw it on the ground scratching around, then flew up into the trees and perched on the side of the trunk, pecking.
: Large size like a large crow, not the usual woodpeckers I see in this area.
: END