How to identify the Hairy Woodpecker

To correctly identify the Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus (par exemple)), 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 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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

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

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

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.

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

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Explore the Hairy Woodpecker