Hairy woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers that are common across much of North America. Their size can vary across different populations and between males and females, but they generally range from 9 to 11 inches (22 to 28 cm) in length. In this article, we will take a closer look at the typical size of hairy woodpeckers, including their length, wingspan, weight, and other physical characteristics.
Length
The overall length of a hairy woodpecker ranges from about 9 to 11 inches (22 to 28 cm). This measurement includes the length of their body from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail. On average, males tend to be slightly larger than females.
Here are some typical length measurements for hairy woodpeckers:
- Males: 9.5 to 11 inches (24 to 28 cm)
- Females: 9 to 10.5 inches (22 to 27 cm)
The bill length for both sexes averages around 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long. The tail is quite short, averaging around 2.2 to 2.8 inches (5.5 to 7 cm).
Wingspan
The wingspan measurement of hairy woodpeckers ranges from 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm). The wingspan is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other when the wings are spread open.
On average, the wingspans measure:
- Males: 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm)
- Females: 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm)
The relatively broad wings help provide the hairy woodpecker with maneuverability and speed during flight.
Weight
Male hairy woodpeckers typically weigh between 2.7 to 3.4 ounces (77 to 96 grams). Females weigh slightly less than males, averaging around 2.2 to 3 ounces (63 to 85 grams).
Here are the typical weight ranges:
- Males: 2.7 to 3.4 oz (77 to 96 g)
- Females: 2.2 to 3 oz (63 to 85 g)
These birds have a strong, compact body that gives them added weight and power for activities like drilling into trees. Their skull and neck muscles are especially well-developed to help absorb the impact from hammering on wood.
Other Physical Features
In addition to their measurements, hairy woodpeckers have several other distinctive physical features:
- Stocky body shape
- Short tail
- Long, chisel-like bill
- Strong neck and skull muscles
- Sharp claws
- Stiff tail feathers that can support them against tree trunks
- Males have a red patch on the back of the head
Their body is optimized for climbing, with zygodactyl feet that have two toes facing forward and two facing backward. This helps them cling to the bark and scale trees with ease.
Male vs Female Size
Male hairy woodpeckers are slightly larger and heavier on average than females. Here is a comparison of the size dimensions:
Measurement | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
Length | 9.5 to 11 in (24 to 28 cm) | 9 to 10.5 in (22 to 27 cm) |
Wingspan | 16 to 18 in (41 to 46 cm) | 15 to 17 in (38 to 43 cm) |
Weight | 2.7 to 3.4 oz (77 to 96 g) | 2.2 to 3 oz (63 to 85 g) |
The slightly larger size of the males is common among woodpecker species and other types birds where males engage in territorial displays and aggressive interactions with other males.
Size Compared to Other Woodpeckers
When compared to other common woodpecker species, the hairy woodpecker is on the medium-large size range. Here is how it sizes up to some other North American woodpeckers:
- Larger than downy woodpecker
- Smaller than northern flicker
- Smaller than pileated woodpecker
- Similar in size to red-bellied woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is the smallest North American species, only measuring 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) in length. Meanwhile, the huge pileated woodpecker can reach 16 to 19 inches (40 to 48 cm) long. The hairy woodpecker neatly fits in the middle of the size spectrum.
Size of Juveniles and Nestlings
When hairy woodpeckers hatch from the egg as nestlings, they are quite small, only measuring around 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and weighing roughly 0.14 ounces (4 grams). They are helpless, naked nestlings at this point.
They grow quickly though, thanks to attentive feeding from both parents. After around 3 weeks, nestling hairy woodpeckers reach a length of 5 inches (13 cm) and weigh 1.5 to 2 ounces (42 to 56 grams).
Once they fledge and leave the nest, juvenile hairy woodpeckers are about three-quarters of the size of adults. Their wings and tail are shorter. Within their first year, they will reach full adult size.
Why Size Matters
The medium-large size of the hairy woodpecker is important for its lifestyle and survival. Here are some reasons why their size matters:
- Able to chisel into wood seeking insects – their bill is long and sturdy enough to hammer away at tree bark and excavate nesting cavities.
- Weight helps drive their hammering – their compact, stocky body provides the mass needed to chisel.
- Strength to cling vertically – their muscles and claws allow them to scale tree trunks.
- Wings provide speed and maneuverability during flight.
- Competitive enough to maintain territories – males are large enough to chase off competitors.
Overall, the hairy woodpecker has the optimal size and proportions needed to thrive in its woodland habitat. Its bill, wings, feet, and weight allow it to effectively bore into trees, fly between them, and cling to trunks and branches.
Regional Size Variation
There can be slight regional variations in the typical size of hairy woodpeckers across their range in North America:
- Largest in the Pacific Northwest region.
- Smallest in the southeastern United States.
- Intermediately sized in other regions like the Northeast and Midwest.
This regional variation seems to follow Bergmann’s rule, where body size increases with latitude. Populations in colder, northern regions tend to be larger overall. The larger body size likely helps northern birds retain heat better in colder climates.
Conclusion
In summary, hairy woodpeckers are medium-sized woodpeckers that measure 9 to 11 inches (22 to 28 cm) in length and weigh around 2.2 to 3.4 ounces (63 to 96 grams). Males tend to be slightly larger than females. Their size allows them to adeptly chisel into wood and climb vertically up tree trunks. Regional sizes can vary slightly, with a trend for larger birds in more northern latitudes. Their medium-large size helps make the hairy woodpecker well equipped for its specialized lifestyle in woodland habitats across North America.