Downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers are two similar-looking bird species found throughout much of North America. While they occupy the same habitats and have similar behaviors, there are some key physical differences between these two types of woodpeckers that can help birdwatchers distinguish them. Knowing what to look for when observing these birds can help you confidently identify which species you are seeing.
In this article, we will go over the main similarities and differences between downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers in terms of size, plumage, beak length, behavior, habitat, range, and sound. We will also provide some tips on the best ways to observe key identification features when you spot either bird. Equipped with this helpful information, you’ll be able to tell a downy apart from a hairy next time you are out birdwatching.
Similarities Between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
While there are some distinct differences, downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers share a number of common traits. These similarities can make differentiating between them more challenging. Some of the main features they have in common include:
Plumage Patterns
Both downy and hairy woodpeckers are mostly black and white in coloration. They have a black back, white underbelly, and black and white checkered markings on their wings. From a distance, these plumage patterns appear almost identical. It’s only upon closer observation of plumage on certain parts of the body that differences become apparent.
Habitat
Downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers occupy similar wooded habitat types. This includes deciduous forests, coniferous forests, mixed forests, woodlots, groves, orchards, and suburban parks and yards with trees. They are both woodland species that forage primarily on the trunks and branches of trees.
Behavior
Both species exhibit typical woodpecker behaviors. They can be seen perched on tree trunks and branches where they use their sharp beaks to hammer away at the bark to expose hiding insects. They also excavate holes in trees for roosting and nesting. They are capable of clinging to trunks and branches and can move up, down, sideways, and even upside down along them. Their stiff tail feathers help brace them against the tree.
Diet
The diets of downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers are very similar. They are both omnivorous, meaning they eat a variety of plant- and animal-based foods. Some of their common prey items include insects like beetle larvae, ants, caterpillars, spiders, as well as seeds and berries. They use their chisel-like bills to excavate into wood to extract these foods.
Nesting
Both species are cavity nesters, meaning they nest inside holes or cavities in trees. They excavate their own nesting cavities in dead trees and fallen logs. The nest holes are very similar, though hairy woodpecker holes tend to be larger. Males select and start excavating the nest site, which is later finished by the female.
Key Differences Between Species
While downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers share some obvious similarities, there are some marked physical differences between them that can help with identification. Observing the following field marks can allow you to distinguish the two species:
Size
The most noticeable difference between these birds is their relative size. As their names suggest, downy woodpeckers are smaller while hairy woodpeckers are larger. Specifically:
Species | Length (inches) | Wingspan (inches) |
---|---|---|
Downy Woodpecker | 5.5 – 6.75 | 9.5 – 11.5 |
Hairy Woodpecker | 7 – 10 | 13 – 17 |
As this data shows, hairy woodpeckers measure between 7-10 inches in length with a wingspan between 13-17 inches. Downy woodpeckers measure just 5.5-6.75 inches in length with a wingspan of 9.5-11.5 inches. The hairy is nearly twice as big as the downy. This size difference is often the easiest way to tell them apart.
Bill Length
Bill length is another helpful differentiating feature. Relative to their body size, hairy woodpeckers have noticeably longer, stouter bills while downy woodpeckers have shorter bills:
Species | Bill Length (inches) |
---|---|
Downy Woodpecker | Up to 1 |
Hairy Woodpecker | 1 – 1.5 |
As you can see, the bill length of hairy woodpeckers measures between 1 to 1.5 inches long which is substantially longer than the bill of downy woodpeckers that measures up to 1 inch in males. The longer bill of the hairy can be an excellent clue during identification.
Plumage
While their overall black-and-white patterns appear similar, a close look at certain plumage markings reveals key differences:
- On hairy woodpeckers, the white outer tail feathers lack spots, but on downy woodpeckers these outer tail feathers have distinct black spots.
- Hairy woodpeckers have all-white outer undersides of their wings that have no markings. On downy woodpeckers, the undersides of the wings have small black bars.
- Male hairy woodpeckers have a red patch on the very back of their head which is lacking on male downy woodpeckers.
Subtly checking plumage markings like these can therefore help indicate which species is which.
Beak Color
The beak color differs slightly between males of each species:
- Male downy woodpeckers have a solid black beak.
- Male hairy woodpeckers have a black beak with a small pale yellowish area at the base of the upper mandible.
So if you note a small yellowish patch on the beak, you can be confident the woodpecker is a male hairy. Females of both species have all black beaks.
Range
While hairy and downy woodpeckers broadly overlap in range across much of North America, hairy woodpeckers have a slightly larger range extending farther north into Canada and Alaska. So if you are observing a woodpecker in northernmost locations, it’s more likely to be a hairy. Downy woodpeckers have a more southerly range overall.
Voice
The calls and drumming patterns differ between the two species:
- Hairy woodpeckers make a loud, sharp “peek” call that sounds like PEE-EEK. Several peaks in a series last about 3 seconds.
- Downy woodpeckers make a high-pitched whinny of lower volume that sounds like pweeee pwee pwee. Their call lasts just 1-2 seconds.
In addition, when drumming on trees as a form of communication:
- Hairy woodpeckers drums slowly, making 18-22 beats per second.
- Downy woodpeckers drum more rapidly, making up to 28 beats per second.
Listening for these audible differences in call and drumming can provide helpful clues as to which species you are observing, even if you can’t see the bird well.
Tips for Distinguishing Them in the Field
When attempting to distinguish a downy woodpecker vs a hairy woodpecker during an observation, consider the following tips:
- Take note of the overall body size to gauge relative largeness or smallness.
- Look at bill length relative to the head for proportions.
- Check plumage patterns, especially on the wings, tail, and head.
- Identify whether there are white or spotted outer tail feathers when the bird is flying.
- Notice any subtle beak color differences on close-up views.
- Listen for calls and drumming rhythms.
- Consider the geographic location and range.
- Use good binoculars to observe detail on faraway birds.
- Be patient watching behaviors for diagnostic clues.
- Consult a field guide for side by side comparisons.
Following these tips will give you the best chance to pick out the subtle differences between these two similar woodpecker species when observing them in the wild.
Conclusion
At first glance, downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers appear almost identical. But upon a more careful study of their comparative size, proportions, plumage colors and patterns, behaviors, ranges, and calls, one can distinguish the two species. Size and bill length differences are often the most reliable identifiers, but plumage and vocalizations can also provide diagnostic clues. Being able to confidently tell a downy woodpecker apart from a hairy woodpecker takes practice, but with a little knowledge of their respective field marks, you’ll be identifying each correctly in no time. So grab your binoculars and get observing these fascinating, if frustratingly similar, woodpeckers.