Juvenile Pileated Woodpeckers are large, striking birds known for their black bodies, white wing markings, and prominent red crests. As they mature, their behavior mimics that of adults, such as drumming on trees to find insects and create nesting cavities.

Unlike adults, juveniles have slightly duller feathers and lack the fully developed red crest. Found primarily in North American forests, these birds play an essential role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations and creating habitats for other species through their tree excavations.