“It was a downy or hairy. I can never remember which is which.” Sound familiar? Downy and hairy woodpeckers are common in our area and for many amateur bird watchers, they can be difficult to tell apart.
Hairy woodpeckers are noticeably larger than the downy woodpeckers. Like many other aspects of learning, it helps to have a “crutch” or reference. For me it’s “Big Harry!” “Big Downy” just doesn’t ring true. Big Hairy does!
The downy woodpecker is the smallest and perhaps most common woodpecker in the United States. It ranges over much of North America where it can be found in a variety of habitats. It is also a common visitor to bird feeders, and they are particularly fond of suet.
Downy woodpeckers are about 6-7 inches long, which is a size in between that of a barn swallow and a purple martin. They have a bill that is in proportion to the bird’s size, or maybe a bit diminutive. The outer tail feathers are white and have dark bands or spots on them. Males and females are similar in appearance, but the males will have a red patch on the back of their head. That is also true for hairy woodpeckers.
The hairy woodpecker can also be found over much of North America, and like the downy is a frequent visitor to bird feeders. As noted earlier they look similar to a downy woodpecker only larger. Hairy woodpeckers have a length of between 7-10 inches which is comparable to the size of a yellow-bellied sapsucker, a common woodpecker in our area during summer, or perhaps a meadowlark. Their bill is disproportionately large compared to body size. It will give you the distinct impression that the bill of this bird means business. “Hammering Hairy” may help you remember this characteristic. Like the downy woodpecker, the hairy has white outer tail feathers. These feathers are completely white, lacking the dark bars or spots of the downy.
Now you now have the major characteristics that are used to tell these two woodpeckers apart. But unless you are able to see both of these species on a regular basis, it might still be difficult to differentiate the two. If the size differences are a problem for you, make sure to get a good look at the bill. Just remember that the bill on “Big Hairy” or “Hammering Hairy” means business. I think you will find that feature particularly helpful. It won’t be long before you will be an expert in identifying these two common woodpeckers.