![]() You can attract Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers to your backyard bird feeder. Did you know that the Downy is one of the common woodpeckers in NY? Both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are commonly found all over North America. Woodpeckers are found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. However, the Northern Hairy Woodpeckers are more likely to migrate south during winter. Downy Woodpeckers are more likely to stay in one place year-round. ![]() While you spot both the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers throughout North America, they have different migration tendencies. On the other hand, Hairy Woodpeckers prefer nests higher up in the tree and deeper in the forest. Downy Woodpeckers build smaller nests closer to the ground and near city parks. However, there are some differences in the size and location of their nests. Both species excavate their nesting cavities in trees using the same type of nesting material: wood chips. When it comes to nesting, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers have some similarities. The Hairy will extract these beetles from a hole in the trees.ĭowny woodpeckers like to nest in cavities Not only do they go for larger prey like caterpillars and spiders, but they also feast on many wood-boring beetles that are destroying trees. However, they will gladly eat from suet feeders and other backyard food supplies. They tend to focus on smaller insects, such as ants and beetles. What do woodpeckers eat? Both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are known for their love of insects, but they have different preferences regarding the types of insects they consume. Let’s look at their feeding, nesting, and migration tendencies. There are some notable variations between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers regarding behavioral differences. The female Hairy woodpecker tends to reside in forests, staying away from humans.īehavioral Differences – Downy vs Hairy Woodpecker You’ll find that the female Hairy on the Western side of the Rockies will have less spotting and narrower facial stripes. ![]() You might find the female Downy woodpecker nesting closer to humans.Ĭompared to the Downy, the female Hairy woodpecker is bigger with a larger bill. You’ll want to look for the short bill and black spots, not streaks along the white sections of feathers. The female Downy woodpecker is smaller than the Hairy. The male Hairy on the Eastern side of the Rockies will have white spotting on their black wings. They also have a small red patch on the back of their head. They have a small red patch on the back of their head, while females do not. So the male Downy and female Hairy will have a similar bill size. It’s important to note that male Downy woodpeckers have larger bills than female Downy. Male and female Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers have similar coloration patterns, but subtle differences exist. However, Hairy Woodpeckers have a dark stripe right down to the nape from the back of the head. Being that they both have white bellies and black and white wings. It’s hard to tell these two apart by just looking at the black and white stripes on the side of the head. Hairy woodpeckers do not have these spots. Plus, the downy has white eyebrows that continue around the back of the head.Īnother differing feature is the black spots on the side and back. The Downy may have more white on the wings. Like the Hairy, the Downy has a black and white striped pattern on the head. However, below are some minute differences. Hairy, however, are more prominent, measuring about 9-10 inches long and weighing around 2.5 ounces.Īnother similarity between the two species is their coloration. They’ll measure about 6-7 inches long and weigh around 1 ounce. One of the most tell-tale differences between the two species is their size. These differences include size, coloration, and male vs female characteristics. There are several physical differences to consider when comparing Downy (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodpeckers ( Picoides villosus). By paying attention to these subtle differences, you can quickly tell the two species apart and appreciate the unique characteristics of each woodpecker. The Downy Woodpecker has a shorter bill and a smaller head, while the Hairy Woodpecker has a longer bill and a larger head.Īdditionally, the Downy Woodpecker has a shorter tail and a higher-pitched call. When it comes to identifying these two woodpeckers, size is one of many factors you’ll look at. It also has black and white feathers, an unspotted white back, and a longer bill. On the other hand, the Hairy Woodpecker is slightly larger, measuring 9-10 inches long. Its black and white feathers and red cap make it easy to identify. The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest species in North America, measuring only 6-7 inches long. Downy vs Hairy Woodpecker: how are these two birds different? While the Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker may look alike, the two species have some key differences.
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