If you’ve spotted a woodpecker that resembles a downy woodpecker but is noticeably larger, you may have seen a hairy woodpecker. The hairy woodpecker looks very similar to the downy woodpecker, which is the smallest woodpecker species in North America, but it’s about 1/3 bigger in size. Here’s a quick overview of how to identify a hairy woodpecker based on size, appearance, behavior, habitat, and range.
Size Difference Between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
The most noticeable difference between downy and hairy woodpeckers is size. Here’s a comparison:
Species | Length | Wingspan | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Downy Woodpecker | 6-7 inches | 11-13 inches | 0.7-1.0 oz |
Hairy Woodpecker | 7-10 inches | 13-17 inches | 1.4-3.4 oz |
As you can see, hairy woodpeckers are about 25-40% larger than downy woodpeckers. The length, wingspan, and weight ranges don’t overlap between the two species.
Identifying Size in the Field
When seen individually, the size difference between a hairy and downy woodpecker can be hard to judge. Here are some tips for gauging relative size in the field:
- Look at the overall body proportions – a hairy woodpecker’s body will be stockier and broader than a downy’s.
- Pay attention to the bill size – a hairy woodpecker’s bill is significantly longer than a downy’s.
- Note head size – a hairy has a larger head in proportion to its body than a downy does.
- If seen together, the size difference is obvious – downies are dwarfed by hairys.
With practice, you can learn to judge the size of woodpeckers by their body proportions alone. But when in doubt, pay attention to bill length as a good size indicator.
Appearance and Markings
Aside from size, hairy and downy woodpeckers look remarkably similar. They share the same main field marks:
- Black and white coloration
- White stripe down the back
- Black wings with white spots
- White underside and cheek
- Black crown (males only) or black nape patch (females)
- Red patch on the back of head (males only)
However, there are subtle differences in appearance that can help identify hairy woodpeckers:
Bill Length
As mentioned already, a hairy woodpecker’s bill is substantially longer than a downy’s. The bill length in relation to the size of the head is a good visual clue.
Black Marks
Hairy woodpeckers have more extensive black markings overall, including a longer black stripe down the center of the white back.
Facial Markings
On hairy woodpeckers, the black facial markings tend to be bolder, especially the line that runs from the shoulder back onto the face.
Tail Length
A hairy woodpecker’s tail feathers are longer and more pointed than a downy’s.
So in summary, the appearance differences boil down to more black, longer bill, longer tail, and bolder markings on the hairy woodpecker.
Behavior and Habitat
Hairy and downy woodpeckers behave similarly and occupy the same habitats. But there are some subtle behavioral differences:
- Hairy woodpeckers are more likely to be found in mature forests, while downies also thrive in younger second-growth forests.
- Hairys tend to forage higher up on tree trunks and large branches than downies.
- Hairys excavate larger nest cavities since their bodies are bigger.
- Hairy woodpeckers are more shy and will fly away more readily when approached by humans.
These behavioral tendencies overlap quite a bit, so they only help identify hairy vs. downy woodpeckers when considered together with size and appearance.
Drumming
Hairy and downy woodpeckers make a drumming sound with their beaks as a form of communication. The frequency of the drumming can indicate whether it’s a hairy or downy:
- Hairy woodpeckers drum slower, at a rate of about 16-28 beats per second.
- Downy woodpeckers drum faster, at a rate of 28-36 beats per second.
Drumming is most frequent in spring and fall during the breeding season. If you hear a slower-paced drumming sound, it’s more likely coming from a hairy woodpecker.
Range and Distribution
Hairy and downy woodpeckers are both found year-round throughout most of North America. Their ranges broadly overlap. But there are regional differences that can help with identification:
- Hairy woodpeckers are more common in the western mountain ranges (Rockies, Cascades, Sierra Nevada).
- Downy woodpeckers have a stronger presence in the southeastern US.
- Hairy woodpeckers occupy broader habitat types, while downies are more closely tied to deciduous forests.
So if you spot a woodpecker in open mountain forest or west of the Rocky Mountains, especially at higher elevations, it’s much more likely to be a hairy woodpecker.
Conclusion
To summarize the key identification points:
- Hairy woodpeckers are 1/3 larger than downy woodpeckers.
- Hairy woodpeckers have longer bills, tails, and wings.
- More black plumage on head and back distinguishes hairys.
- Slower drumming indicates hairy woodpecker.
- More likely to see hairy woodpeckers in the western mountains.
With practice, you can learn to identify hairy vs. downy woodpeckers based on subtle size and plumage differences. The most reliable field mark is bill length. If you see a small-billed woodpecker, it’s a downy. And if you see a larger-billed one, it’s a hairy. Comparing the overall body proportions and subtle plumage marks will help confirm the identification.