Downy Versus Hairy Woodpeckers

We have discussed earlier that the downy woodpeckers and the hairy woodpeckers are differentiated almost solely by size. Their coloring and markings are nearly identical. But, the downy is 6” and the hairy is 9” in length.

In the Colvin Run Habitat, many downy woodpeckers are can be seen in any one hour period. The hairy are far less frequent.

These two pictures of these two woodpeckers on the same suet feeder allow a side by side comparison. Clearly, you can see the size difference. Of course, the smaller downy is a male (red spot on back of neck) and larger hairy is a female. Amazing what you can do with today’s modern photograph software.

Woodpecker Excavation

Various woodpeckers, such as the Downy and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers in the first photo, love to visit the Colvin Run Habitat feeders. While they spend most of their time at the suet feeders, they also eat sunflower seeds, but really have taken to the suet-covered peanuts – like the Red-Bellied Woodpecker in the second photo.
Of course, the woodpeckers also feed a variety of insects typically found below the bark of trees. Once the woodpeckers find such insects they will come back again, eventually creating a hole in the tree.
A tree on the side of the house has a large section that is dead. I let the dead section alone since the woodpeckers enjoy drilling in it. As you can see, the holes get large enough that the woodpeckers will actually nest in the holes. The holes in these photos are not large enough for any of the Habitat woodpeckers to nest in, but I am hoping that they continue their woodpecker excavation.

You can find previous woodpecker posts at:
>Downy woodpecker
>Hairy woodpecker
>Pileated woodpecker
>Northern Flicker woodpecker
>Red-bellied woodpecker

A Fifth Type of Woodpecker? Meet the Hairy One

Various woodpeckers visit the the Colvin Run Habitat. Four documented types (from smallest to largest): Downy, Red-bellied, Flicker, Pileated. I have often suspected that we have had Hairy Woodpeckers at the feeders, but have never been quite sure. The main reason for the uncertainty is that the Downy and the Hairy differ in only two aspects – the Hairy is larger than the Downy and the Hairy as a proportionately larger bill. Other than that, the Downy and the Hairy look exactly alike.
Yesterday morning, I believe that a Hairy Woodpecker was observed at the new (last of the new) suet feeder (this one is extra long (sort of a double wide) to attract, I hope, the Pileated Woodpeckers). The observed woodpecker was noticeably larger in her body than the normal Downy visitors.
The first photo is of what I believe is the Hairy. In the second photo, the larger Hairy is at the front feeder; the Downy is at the read feeder. I’ll work to get additional photos that show more clearly the size difference.