Hairy Woodpecker

The Hairy Woodpecker at times is confused with the Downy Woodpecker, you could call them very close cousins. They are exact in almost every detail except when it comes size, Hairy Woodpecker being the larger of the two, being two inches larger then Downy Woodpecker. The other difference is the Hairy Woodpecker is the more aggressive of the two. It is not uncommon to see both the Downy and the Hairy Woodpecker appearing together and seeking out food in your backyard.

Hairy Woodpecker Characteristics

The Hairy Woodpecker features are un-marked white wings and belly, white -spotted black wings, black eye line and crown. They have a long bill almost as long as their head is wide. Other features of the Hairy Woodpeckers is its black tail with un-spotted white outer feathers. The male can be identified by its small red patch on the back of their heads, the female lacking the red patch. Their size ranges from 8 1/2″ to 9 1/2″ .

Hairy Woodpecker Diet

Hairy Woodpecker feeds on insects and insect eggs, also looks for cocoons and larvae. They are also known to eat nuts, fruit, seeds and comes winter are attracted to feeders with suet. To help seek out insects and their eggs Hairy Woodpeckers and other Woodpeckers secret is their very long tongues in some cases it can be as long as 4 times the length of their bill. This is made possible by their tongue almost acting as a measuring tape, twin structures that wrap around the perimeter of the skull that allow the tongue to be stored. The end of the tongue is very maneuverable and the tip is sticky with saliva also is finely barbed this allows them to seize hard to get wood boring insects.

Hairy Woodpecker Living Habits

It is not un-common to see to Hairy Woodpeckers all year round in New England. They are common near mature woodlands, may also be seen near forested wetlands, edges of ponds and streams. At times you may see Hairy Woodpeckers near immature woodlands, orchards and well wooded urban areas, this is very seldom and rare .

The Hairy Woodpecker makes it nest in live or decaying tree trunks or limbs, the pair both take part in the making of the nest. They line their nest with wood chips and other wood items. Once the nest is complete the pair has 4 to 5 white eggs, their incubating time is 12 to 14 days.

January 9, 2026 at 5:38 pm | Birds | No comment