In general, hairy woodpeckers prefer densely wooded places with huge trees to less-forested areas. Though both of these birds can be found in many places across the United States, they both prefer certain areas over others.ĭowny Woodpeckers are more likely to be spotted in suburban areas and smaller parks than Hairy Woodpeckers are. When trying to work out whether you’re looking at a Downy Woodpecker to a Hairy Woodpecker, the habitat should be taken into consideration. In contrast to the sound of the Downy Woodpecker, the rattling of the Hairy Woodpecker is harsh and consistent in pitch. The crisp and startling peek of the Hairy Woodpecker is reminiscent of the sound of a squeaky dog toy and is the more distinctive call of this species of woodpecker.ĭowny Woodpecker Call Audio by Patrick J. You’ve probably heard the brief, cheerful pik and the high-pitched, descending whinny that is characteristic of a Downy Woodpecker’s call. The bill of the Hairy Woodpecker (photo on the left) is significantly longer and more robust, and it is almost as long as the head of the bird. The beak of the Downy (photo on the right) is short and stunted it is hardly longer than the space that separates the front of its head and its eye. Photo by Imogen Warren Photo by Imogen Warren If you look at the shape of their bills, you can more accurately determine the differences in size between the two species of woodpecker. The second easiest way to tell bird species apart is usually through their size, but again these woodpeckers like to make things difficult. It’s quite difficult to tell the difference in size between them unless they are standing next to one another, which rarely happens. Photo by naturespicsonline Photo by Imogen Warren Their Size Usually, the look and colors of a bird’s feathers are the easiest way to identify what species it is, but the Hairy and Downy woodpeckers similarities make things hard for us. They both have feather patterns of black and white, and the males of both species have a hint of red on their heads, so they initially look identical.Įven though the inner tail feathers of both birds are black and the outer tail feathers are white, there are a few subtle differences between the two that allow you to tell them apart.ĭowny Woodpeckers feature a few black bars or spots on the white outer tail feathers, but Hairy Woodpeckers’ outer tail feathers are often unmarked and simple. ![]() Differences Between the Woodpeckers The Feathers It can be found in any area with trees and the population in the west prefers riparian environments. ![]() The Downy Woodpecker is more widespread in the U.S. Strong markings on the head with a bright red crest. A small woodpecker with familiar black and white plumage.
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