![]() A log suet feeder works great for Hairys and other woodpeckers, and chickadees and nuthatches as well. ![]() A suet feeder or peanut feeder is a great way to entice woodpeckers to a backyard feeding station and they will occasionally come to a feeder stocked with a mix containing sunflower chips or peanuts. The woodpecker’s common method of searching within tree bark for bugs is well known though they will also eat berries and nuts if available. The Hairy Woodpeckers bill is almost as long as. The diet of the Hairy Woodpecker consists mostly of insects, even in the wintertime. The back feathers of the Hairy Woodpecker are stiff and hair-like, a contrast to the Downys softer feathers. Compare this to nuthatches that use only their feet. As with all woodpeckers, the Hairy uses its tail feathers as a prop, almost like a kangaroo uses its tail, to balance on a tree trunk. They’ll often follow Pileateds, using their holes to rummage for additional insects. They will rarely use the narrow branches that the Downy browses on, preferring to keep to the tree trunk and major limbs. They are found nearly all throughout North America, including Canada and Alaska. Hairy Woodpeckers can be found in almost any type of wooded habitat though it is most commonly seen in mature woods. With practice it becomes easier to tell the two species apart. Hairy Woodpeckers have a longer and more substantial bill that is very close in length to the depth of its head. The Downy Woodpecker has a smaller bill that is shorter than the depth of its head. Size can be difficult to judge unless they’re near each other, so compare the size of the bill relative to the bird’s head. Hairy Woodpeckers are 9 ¼” long, nearly the size of a skinny robin, whereas Downy Woodpeckers are only about 6 ¾” long, just a little bigger than a House Sparrow. The Hairy's bill is a railroad spike in comparison, and almost as long as the its head. The Downy's bill is dainty and about one-third the length of the bird's head. Their size ranges from 5.5 to 7 inches and they have a wingspan of 9.8 to 12.2 inches. First, check for the major difference in bill size. Hairy woodpeckersare considered to be medium-sized birds, measuring around 9.8 inches in length with a wingspan of roughly 15 inches, whereas downy woodpeckersare the smallestof all North American woodpeckers. Hairy Woodpeckers look very similar to the smaller Downy Woodpecker. Though they're very similar, there are some key differences to look out for. While judging a bird’s size in the field can be difficult. ![]() The Hairy has a large, strong bill used for chiseling into wood. Downy woodpeckers are small, only about 6-7 inches in length, while hairy woodpeckers are larger, usually 9-11 inches in length. Hairy Woodpeckers do not have spots on these white tail feathers, unlike the Downy Woodpecker. This woodpecker has a mostly black tail with white outer tail feathers. The male has a red spot on the back of his head whereas the female does not. ![]() The two species can also be distinguished. Hairy Woodpeckers are black and white with a white belly. Downy woodpeckers also have a shorter, stubbier bill (shorter than the length of their head) than hairy woodpeckers. Share Trx_addons_twitter Trx_addons_facebook E-mail ![]()
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