How To Tell the Difference Between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers like to visit feeders where there are seeds and suet to eat.Both have a black and white appearance and can be hard to identify.
Step 1: There is a difference in bill size.
The easiest way to tell the two species is by using this method.The bill of the Hairy Woodpecker is almost the same length as its head.The Downy's bill is roughly 1/3 the length of the bird.Imagine turning the bill around so that it points at the back of the bird's head, if this is difficult to gauge.How far across the head does it extend?You can see a Hairy Woodpecker if it is the length of the head.
Step 2: Determine the differences in size.
The hairy bird can be up to 50% larger than the downy one.It can be difficult to judge the difference in size when viewing an individual bird.The Downy and Hairy are roughly the same size as a House Sparrow and a Robin, respectively.The male and female of each species are roughly the same size, so if you are looking at a Downy and a Hairy, the smaller is likely to be the larger.
Step 3: There are differences in the color pattern.
There are differences in the pattern of the birds' feathers.The Eastern US has all-white outer tail feathers for Hairy Woodpeckers.Black and white tail feathers are seen by Downy Woodpeckers.The Hairy has a black mark extending from the shoulder to the breast, while the Downy does not.The males in both species have a patch on their head.There is a red patch on Hairy Woodpeckers.Downy Woodpeckers have a large white patch on their neck.It's obvious when looking at the back of the bird.
Step 4: There are differences in their calls.
Both species have short, sharp calls.You can detect slight differences in the calls if you listen carefully.The Downy Woodpecker's pik call is a rapid string of high-pitched notes that descends in pitch towards the end.The call lasts about two seconds.The short sharp note made by Hairy Woodpeckers is described as a peek sound.The Downy's call does not descend at the end because it is slightly lower in pitch.There is a rattling or whinnying call made by Hairy Woodpeckers.
Step 5: There are different drum sounds that you can listen to.
The males and females of both species use their bills to communicate.Downy's drum is 17 beats per second slower than that of a Hairy.
Step 6: Pay attention to what you eat.
Some fruit and seeds are eaten by both species.There are differences in the way the two species feed.Downy Woodpeckers can eat insects in the stems of larger weeds because of their smaller size.Hairy birds don't feed on weeds.Hairy woodpeckers like to drink from trees.They can drink the juice from the sugar cane.
Step 7: There are differences in location.
It can be difficult because both are found in the woods.The Downy Woodpecker favors smaller branches while the Hairy spends more time on large branches.
Step 8: You can use a field guide.
Information about the birds you can see in your region can be found in field guides.There are many options to choose from.Some people prefer to purchase a hard copy of the field guide with illustrations or pictures to help them identify themselves.
Step 9: Invest in a pair of binoculars.
A pair of binoculars with good magnification can be used to identify birds.Without the use of binoculars, it may be hard to spot the subtle differences between the Downy and the Hairy Woodpecker.
Step 10: An attractive feeder should be set up.
Purchase a wire or mesh feeder to keep out the squirrels and set it up with a feed that both species of woodpecker enjoy.Suet is a great source of nutrition for the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.It's necessary during the cold winter months.sunflower seeds are a popular choice.Downy's will often wait until other birds are away from the feeders to use it.Hairy's can be more aggressive.
Step 11: Take pictures for comparison.
If you have time and a high-quality camera, you can take photographs of the different birds and compare them.It gives you a chance to look at the birds when they are not in flight or moving.
Step 12: Take care of the birds.
They help to control the insect population and make nest cavities that are used by other species of birds and mammals who can't do it on their own.Birds and their habitat should not be disrupted by you.The first principle of the American Birding Association is that bird-watchers should promote the welfare of birds and their environment when trying to identify different bird species.