How to identify the Hairy Woodpecker

To correctly identify the Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

18-26 cm (7-10 inches)

Wingspan

33-41 cm (13-16 inches)

Weight

40-95 g (1.4-3.4 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

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

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

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

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

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

Key field marks

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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