Hairy Woodpecker

About

The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across North America. It is a common and widespread species, often confused with the smaller Downy Woodpecker due to similar plumage patterns. It plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems by controlling insect populations and creating cavities for other wildlife.

Size & lifespan

Length

18-26 cm (7-10 inches)

Wingspan

33-41 cm (13-16 inches)

Weight

40-95 g (1.4-3.4 oz)

Lifespan

Average 6-11 years in the wild, with records up to 15 years.

Diet

Insectivore, primarily feeding on wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, caterpillars, and other insects. Also consumes sap, berries, nuts, and seeds, especially in winter.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Predominantly black and white. White underparts, black back with a prominent white stripe down the center. Black wings with white spotting on the flight feathers. Black head with a white stripe above and below the eye. Tail is black with white outer tail feathers, which are typically unmarked.

Beak shape

Long, chisel-shaped, and stout bill, dark gray to black in color. Proportionately longer and thicker than that of the Downy Woodpecker.

Eye color

Dark brown

Leg color

Dark gray to black

Distinguishing features

Larger size, longer and thicker bill relative to head size, and plain white outer tail feathers are key distinguishing features from the Downy Woodpecker.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but may have a reddish wash or patch on the crown (top of the head), which is more extensive in young males and sometimes present in young females. Their plumage may appear slightly duller or less crisp than adults.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round.

Sexual dimorphism

Males have a small red patch on the back of the head (nape), which is absent in females. Otherwise, plumage is identical.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Bill Proportion

   Observe the bird's overall size and the length of its bill relative to its head. A Hairy Woodpecker is medium-sized with a long, stout bill, almost as long as its head. If the bill is short and fine, it's likely a Downy Woodpecker.

2. 2

   Outer Tail Feathers

   Look for the pattern on the white outer tail feathers. Hairy Woodpeckers typically have plain white outer tail feathers, while Downy Woodpeckers usually have black barring or spots.

3. 3

   Head Pattern

   Note the black and white striped head pattern. Males will have a red patch on the nape (back of the head), while females lack this. This is consistent across both Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, so it helps confirm sex but not species.

4. 4

   Vocalizations

   Listen to its calls. The Hairy Woodpecker's 'peek' call is sharp and loud, and its 'rattle' call is a rapid, descending series of notes. The Downy's calls are softer and less emphatic.

5. 5

   Foraging Behavior

   While both forage on trees, Hairy Woodpeckers tend to prefer larger trunks and branches, often in more mature forests, whereas Downy Woodpeckers are more agile and can be seen on smaller branches and even weed stalks.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Forests, woodlands, suburban areas with mature trees, parks, orchards, and riparian zones.

Geographic range

Widespread across North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States and into Central America (Nicaragua). Absent from the arid southwestern deserts and parts of the Great Plains.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) or higher in mountainous regions, depending on the availability of suitable forest habitat.

Preferred environments

Prefers mature deciduous and coniferous forests, mixed woodlands, and areas with standing dead trees (snags) for foraging and nesting. Adaptable to human-modified landscapes as long as sufficient large trees are present.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, active during daylight hours.

Feeding habits

Forages primarily on tree trunks and large branches, often spiraling up trees. Uses its strong bill to excavate bark and wood to extract insects. Also gleans insects from surfaces and occasionally catches insects in flight. Will visit suet feeders, especially in winter.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. May occasionally join mixed-species foraging flocks in winter. Not highly social outside of breeding.

Flight pattern

Undulating flight pattern, typical of woodpeckers, with several rapid wing beats followed by a short glide on closed wings, creating a 'rollercoaster' effect.

Migration pattern

Mostly a permanent resident throughout its range. Northern populations may undertake short-distance altitudinal or irruptive movements in response to food availability, but long-distance migration is rare.

Territoriality

Territorial during the breeding season, defending nesting and foraging areas. Territories are maintained through drumming, calls, and occasional aggressive displays.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically from April to July, varying geographically. Courtship begins in late winter to early spring.

Nesting habits

Nests in cavities excavated by both sexes in dead or decaying trees, or sometimes in live trees with soft heartwood. Cavities are typically 2-15 meters (6-50 feet) above ground. They do not reuse the same cavity for nesting in successive years, but may excavate new ones nearby.

Clutch size

3-6 eggs

Egg description

3-6 (typically 4-5) pure white, unmarked, oval eggs.

Incubation period

11-14 days, incubated by both parents.

Fledging period

28-30 days after hatching. Young are fed by both parents and remain dependent for a short period after fledging.

Parental care

Both male and female participate in nest excavation, incubation, and feeding of the young. The male often incubates at night.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Drumming. Hairy Woodpeckers drum frequently, especially in spring, to communicate and establish territory. Their drumming is typically a rapid, powerful, and sustained roll.
2. Watch for Movement on Trunks. Scan tree trunks and large branches for movement. They often work their way up trees, pausing to peck and listen for insects.
3. Check Suet Feeders. In winter, Hairy Woodpeckers are frequent visitors to suet feeders, providing an excellent opportunity for close observation.
4. Look for Excavation Marks. Evidence of their foraging, such as freshly excavated holes or bark flakes on the ground, can indicate their presence.

Similar species

Quick facts

Size:

Medium (larger than Downy Woodpecker)

Bill:

Long and stout, almost as long as head

Outer Tail Feathers:

Plain white

Male Markings:

Red patch on nape

Habitat:

Mature forests, woodlands, parks

Diet:

Insects (especially wood-boring larvae), sap, nuts, berries

Status:

Permanent resident

Fun facts

• The Hairy Woodpecker's tongue can extend far beyond its bill, allowing it to extract insects from deep within wood. Its tongue is barbed and sticky.
• Despite its name, the 'hairy' in Hairy Woodpecker refers to the fine, hair-like white feathers on its back, which are often difficult to see in the field.
• Hairy Woodpeckers are important 'ecosystem engineers,' creating cavities that are later used by many other species of birds and mammals for nesting and shelter.
• They have stiff tail feathers that act as a prop, along with strong zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two toes back), to help them cling vertically to tree trunks.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Piciformes

Family

Picidae

Genus

Leuconotopicus

Species

villosus

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