Pileated Woodpecker Scavenges on a Carcass in Missouri

Abstract An observation of opportunistic scavenging by a female Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) in Missouri is reported. The bird visited a captive wolf enclosure and tore cartilage and muscle from a large fresh beef bone and consumed it immediately. The Pileated Woodpecker vigilantly observed the resident wolves during her foraging and left the enclosure at their approach. This is thought to be the first observation of a Pileated Woodpecker scavenging meat in such a fashion.