Furrows found in Arkansas.

We are investigating large woodpecker foraging sign. Although furrows like the ones below can be created by Pileated Woodpeckers, we have never seen ones larger than 3 ft (except in eastern Arkansas (like Fig. 2).

We are interested in knowing if anyone has observed similar furrows greater than 3 feet in length particularly in the southeastern United States. Please email paul_sykes AT usgs.gov and steve_holzman AT fws.gov with location; date; species of tree; length, width, and depth of furrows (accompanying pictures would be great). Please include a follow-up phone number in your email.

Fig. 1
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Fig. 2
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Fig. 3
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These grooves are on the inside of a furrow similar to Fig. 1 and are greater than 3.5 mm in width.

Steve's Note: 8/3/07: Pileated woodpeckers have been observed creating or further excavating furrows like these.