#Downy vs hairy woodpecker how to
#Downy vs hairy woodpecker Patch

downy woodpeckers is the length of the bill. Bill SizeĪn important difference between hairy vs. This is about three to six inches shorter than the wingspan of hairy woodpeckers, which varies from 13 to 16 inches in adults. Wingspan is another consequential difference related to size.ĭowny woodpeckers have a wingspan between 10 and 12 inches on average. Downy woodpeckers are at least two times lighter, weighing between 0.74 and one ounce. Specifically, they weigh between 1.5 and 3.5 ounces. WeightĬonsidering the size differences between the two species, it doesn’t come as a surprise that hairy woodpeckers are heavier than downy woodpeckers. Hairy woodpeckers are about the same size as American robins. The former measures between 7 and 10 inches on average, even though some individuals can reach 13 inches in height.ĭowny woodpeckers are daintier, rarely measuring over 7 inches in height.Ĭomparatively, downy woodpeckers are about the same size as a house sparrow (and can be sometimes seen feeding alongside them in backyard feeders). SizeĪs mentioned, hairy woodpeckers are visibly bigger than downy woodpeckers. However, this line is very faint sometimes or it may lack altogether.įor a more accurate identification, you should also look for all the other distinctive markings explained above. Typically, female hairy woodpeckers maintain the vertical black stripe that splits the red mark into two in males. downy is sometimes more challenging than identifying between males of the two species. Telling the difference between a female hairy woodpecker vs. female hairy woodpeckers – females lack the red marking on the head, but are otherwise similar to the males. The size and overall appearance are otherwise similar between the two sexes.Ī similar difference can be observed in male vs. female downy woodpecker is the absence of a red marking at the back of the head for females. The shorter feathers at the base of the bill also have a smoother appearance. Hairy woodpeckers have longer and slender beaks.

#Downy vs hairy woodpecker Patch

Their bills are also stockier and covered by a bushy patch of white feathers at the base. The size and shape of the bill can also help you tell the two birds apart.ĭowny woodpeckers have shorter bills than hairy woodpeckers.

In hairy woodpeckers, the outer tail feathers are fully white. The black markings on the side of the neck are also more visible over the bird’s shoulders in hairy woodpeckers, whereas downy woodpeckers have less prominent markings.Īnother essential difference between the two birds is the aspect of their outer tail feathers.ĭowny woodpeckers have black spots on these feathers. See also 30 Stunning Black Birds With White Wings Hairy woodpeckers have the mark split in two by a vertical black stripe that connects the black crown to the black nape. When looking at the bird from its back, downy woodpeckers have a solid red patch across the head. One of them is the distinctive red patch both downy and hairy woodpecker males have on their heads. Even more so if you’re new to birdwatching.Ī surer way to figure out what type of woodpecker you’re observing is by looking for distinctive markings. However, the truth is that figuring out the size of a small bird when seeing it from a distance can be challenging.

#Downy vs hairy woodpecker how to

When learning how to tell the difference between hairy and downy woodpeckers, you may notice most experts suggesting size as the main telltale. However, from all species, the downy and hairy woodpeckers are the most similar and often the hardest to tell apart. They are closely related to one another and to other pied woodpeckers, such as the ladder-backed woodpecker and Nuttall’s woodpecker, to name just a few.Īll of these species share morphologic similarities and most even share the same colors – black and white with a red patch on the head. Classificationĭowny and hairy woodpeckers are two distinct species belonging to the same genus, Picoides. *Data in the table was sourced from research papers, scientific journals, online magazines, and other official sources.ġ2 Differences Between Downy vs. North America deciduous forests and woodlands Insects, seeds, nuts, berries, suet from birdfeeders Insects, berries, seeds, suet from birdfeeders Spotted outer tail feathers, solid red patch on males’ headsĪll-white outer tail feathers, red patch often split in two The table below compares the differences between hairy woodpecker vs. Hairy woodpeckers also have all white outer tail feathers. They have longer and slender bills that are almost as long as the birds’ heads, whereas downy woodpeckers have shorter and stubbier bills. Hairy woodpeckers can grow twice as large as downy woodpeckers. The main difference between the downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker is the size. They have slightly different habitats, but both species may be spotted in local forests and backyards.

Downy and hairy woodpeckers are two of the most similar woodpecker species found in the same geographic range.