Hairy Woodpecker

About

The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker found across North America. It is known for its distinctive black and white plumage, stiff tail feathers used for support, and a strong, chisel-like bill adapted for excavating wood. It is a common and widespread species, often confused with the smaller Downy Woodpecker.

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

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

Diet

Insectivore, primarily consuming wood-boring beetle larvae, ants, caterpillars, and other insects. Also eats some berries, nuts, and sap.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Predominantly black and white. White underparts, black wings with white barring, black tail with white outer tail feathers (unbarred). A prominent white stripe runs down the back. Head is black with a white stripe above and below the eye.

Beak shape

Long, straight, chisel-tipped, and stout; dark gray to black.

Eye color

Dark brown

Leg color

Dark gray to black

Distinguishing features

Significantly larger bill relative to head size compared to the Downy Woodpecker. Unbarred white outer tail feathers. Larger overall size.

Juvenile appearance

Similar to adults, but males may have a red or orange-red wash on the crown (top of the head) rather than just the nape. Females may also show a slight reddish tinge on the crown.

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 Length

   Observe the overall size and, critically, the length of the bill relative to the head. Hairy Woodpeckers are larger and have a bill almost as long as their head, unlike the smaller Downy Woodpecker with its short bill.

2. 2

   Outer Tail Feathers

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

3. 3

   Red Nape Patch (Males)

   In males, note the presence of a red patch on the back of the head (nape). This is present in both Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, so it's not a distinguishing feature between the two, but confirms it's a male.

4. 4

   Vocalizations and Drumming

   Listen for the calls ('peek' or 'rattle') and drumming. Hairy Woodpecker drumming is typically louder, more powerful, and often longer than the Downy's, with a more consistent rhythm.

5. 5

   Foraging Behavior

   While both forage on trees, Hairy Woodpeckers tend to prefer larger trees and branches, often excavating deeper for insects, whereas Downy Woodpeckers are more agile and can forage on smaller twigs and reeds.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Forests (deciduous, coniferous, mixed), woodlands, suburban areas with mature trees, orchards, parks, 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 arid southwestern deserts and parts of the Great Plains.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in mountainous regions.

Preferred environments

Mature forests with standing dead trees or snags, which provide foraging and nesting sites. Also adapts well to human-modified landscapes with sufficient tree cover.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal

Feeding habits

Forages by gleaning, probing, and excavating bark and wood for insects. Often spirals up tree trunks and branches. Will also 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.

Flight pattern

Strong, undulating flight pattern, typical of woodpeckers, with several rapid wing beats followed by a short glide on closed wings.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, though northern populations may undertake short-distance altitudinal or irruptive movements in response to food availability.

Territoriality

Territorial during the breeding season, defending nesting and foraging areas. Territories are maintained through drumming and vocalizations.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically April to July, varying by latitude.

Nesting habits

Nests in cavities excavated in dead trees, snags, or dead limbs of live trees. Both sexes participate in excavating the nest hole, which is usually 2-15 meters (6-50 feet) above the ground. The entrance hole is circular.

Clutch size

3-6 eggs, typically 4-5.

Egg description

3-6 pure white, unmarked, oval eggs. Average size is about 2.3 x 1.8 cm (0.9 x 0.7 inches).

Incubation period

11-14 days, incubated by both parents.

Fledging period

28-30 days after hatching. Young are fed by both parents.

Parental care

Both male and female participate in incubation, brooding, and feeding the nestlings and fledglings. The male often incubates at night.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Drumming. Their distinctive drumming is often the first indication of their presence. Listen for a strong, rapid series of taps.
2. Look for Foraging Signs. Scan tree trunks and branches for signs of their foraging, such as excavated holes or loose bark. They often work their way up a tree trunk.
3. Check Suet Feeders. If you have a suet feeder, especially one placed on a tree trunk, keep an eye out, as they are regular visitors.
4. Distinguish from Downy. Always pay close attention to size and bill length when you see a black and white woodpecker to correctly identify it as Hairy or Downy.

Similar species

Quick facts

Primary Diet:

Wood-boring insects

Nesting Site:

Tree cavities (excavated by both parents)

Migration:

Mostly resident

Key ID Feature:

Long bill (nearly as long as head), pure white outer tail feathers

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Fun facts

• The Hairy Woodpecker's tongue can extend far beyond its bill, allowing it to extract insects from deep within wood. It is barbed at the tip and coated with sticky saliva.
• Despite their similar appearance, genetic studies show that Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are not closely related, belonging to different genera (Picoides and Dryobates, respectively).
• They have specialized skull structures and strong neck muscles that help absorb the shock of repeated hammering, preventing brain injury.
• Hairy Woodpeckers play an important ecological role by controlling populations of wood-boring insects that can damage trees.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Piciformes

Family

Picidae

Genus

Picoides

Species

Picoides villosus

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