Dryocopus pileatus

This is one of a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers that were foraging around the house this morning. Usually I have a hard time approaching this species but they were pretty comfortable with me today.

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America (around 45 cm), if not the loudest and most prominent in its plumage. I find that its size--relative to its North American relatives--almost defies belief. Lovely!