Woodpeckers are fascinating birds that play an important role in forest ecosystems. Two of the most common woodpeckers found across North America are the downy woodpecker and the hairy woodpecker. At a glance, these two species appear very similar, leading many people to wonder – is a downy woodpecker bigger than a hairy?
Key Differences Between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
While downy and hairy woodpeckers may look alike, there are some key physical differences between these two species:
- Size: Hairy woodpeckers are larger than downy woodpeckers. Hairy woodpeckers are about 9-11 inches in length with a 15-18 inch wingspan. Downy woodpeckers measure 6-7 inches in length with a 11-13 inch wingspan.
- Bill length: The bill of a hairy woodpecker is longer than the bill of a downy. The hairy’s bill is nearly the same length as its head, while the downy’s bill is shorter than its head.
- White markings: Both species have white markings on their outer tail feathers, but the markings are different. Hairy woodpeckers have all white outer tail feathers, while downy woodpeckers have white spots or bars on their outer tail feathers.
- Habitat: Hairy woodpeckers prefer mature forests, while downy woodpeckers can be found in both mature forests and younger second-growth forests.
- Drumming: The drumming of hairy woodpeckers is slower in pace and louder than the drumming of downy woodpeckers.
While size is the most noticeable difference, the bill length, drumming sound, habitat preferences, and tail markings are also helpful clues for telling the two species apart.
Size Comparison of Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
Let’s take a closer look at the size differences between downy and hairy woodpeckers:
| Species | Length (inches) | Wingspan (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Woodpecker | 6-7 | 11-13 |
| Hairy Woodpecker | 9-11 | 15-18 |
As the table shows, hairy woodpeckers are about 25-50% larger in body length and wingspan compared to downy woodpeckers. The hairy is one of the largest woodpeckers found in most of North America.
Identification Tips
In addition to size, here are some helpful identification tips for distinguishing these two similar-looking species:
Bill Length
The bill length differs proportionally to the overall size of each bird. Look at the bill in relation to the head – the hairy woodpecker’s bill is nearly equal to the length of its head. The downy’s smaller bill is clearly shorter than its head.
Tail Pattern
The outer tail feathers of the larger hairy woodpecker are solid white. On the downy, these outer tail feathers have conspicuous black bars or spots.
Drumming Sound
Hairy woodpeckers drums slower and louder than the fast, high-pitched drumming of downy woodpeckers. With practice, listeners can distinguish the drumming of the two species.
Habitat Clues
Hairy woodpeckers strongly prefer mature forest habitats. If you see a small woodpecker in a young regrowth forest, it’s likely a downy. But in an older forest, it has better odds of being a hairy.
Similarities Between Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers
Despite their differences, hairy and downy woodpeckers share some similar traits including:
- Black and white coloration. Both species share a black and white body, with males having a red patch on the back of the head.
- Tree clinging habits. Like all woodpeckers, they use their sharp claws and stiff tail feathers to cling vertically to tree trunks.
- Diet. Both species mainly eat insects, especially the larvae found beneath tree bark, along with some seeds and berries.
- Nesting habits. They nest in cavities they excavate in dead trees and may reuse the same nesting site year after year.
- Habitat. Both species inhabit forests and woodlands across much of North America.
So while the downy is smaller, it shares the hairy’s basic appearance and behaviors. Understanding their core similarities along with key differences is important for identification.
Range and Distribution
Hairy and downy woodpeckers occupy much of the same range across North America. Here is a look at where each species can be found:
Downy Woodpecker
Downy woodpeckers are found across nearly all wooded regions of North America. Their range extends from Alaska and Canada south throughout the United States and into Mexico. They are the most widespread woodpecker species on the continent.
Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy woodpeckers inhabit a similar range as the downy, but do not range quite as far north or south. They are found from southeastern Alaska and Canada south to the Gulf Coast and west to California. They are absent from the extreme northern boreal forests and the drier southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Across most of North America where both species occur, the downy usually significantly outnumbers the hairy. But hairy woodpeckers become more prevalent in mature, undisturbed forests, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Behavioral Differences
In addition to physical differences, downy and hairy woodpeckers exhibit some subtle behavioral variations:
- Foraging: Hairy woodpeckers forage primarily by gleaning, pecking, and prying bark for prey. Downy woodpeckers do more probing into cracks and crevices. Their smaller size allows them to access tighter spaces.
- Cavity excavation: Hairy woodpeckers will excavate their own nesting and roosting cavities in dead trees. Downy woodpeckers often nest in old cavities previously dug by other woodpecker species.
- Social behavior: Hairy woodpeckers are usually solitary outside of the breeding season. Downy woodpeckers may gather in loose winter flocks after breeding.
- Migration: Some hairy woodpeckers migrate short distances in the northern parts of their range. Downy woodpeckers are mostly permanent residents across their range.
These behavioral patterns reflect the more mature forest habitat preferences of the hairy woodpecker compared to the downy’s ability to thrive in younger forests.
Conclusion
While similar in appearance, the downy woodpecker is noticeably smaller in size than the hairy woodpecker. Exact size differences can be seen in the table provided. In addition to size, differences in bill length, drumming sounds, tail patterns, habitat preferences, and behaviors help distinguish these two common woodpecker species. Being able to identify the subtle differences between the downy woodpecker and the larger hairy woodpecker will improve any bird watcher’s skills.
