Hairy Woodpecker look-alikes

Key differences

The Downy Woodpecker is significantly smaller (about two-thirds the size of a Hairy Woodpecker). The most reliable field mark is the bill: the Hairy Woodpecker's bill is noticeably longer and thicker, almost as long as its head, while the Downy's bill is much shorter and finer, about half the length of its head. Additionally, the Hairy Woodpecker typically has plain white outer tail feathers, whereas the Downy Woodpecker usually has black barring or spots on its white outer tail feathers. The Hairy's 'peek' call is sharper and louder than the Downy's softer 'pik', and its 'rattle' call is a more even pitch and less descending than the Hairy's.

Key differences

The White-headed Woodpecker has a distinctive all-white head and a large white patch on its primary flight feathers, making it easily distinguishable. Its body is mostly black. It is found in western North America, with limited range overlap with the Hairy Woodpecker.