A black line down the center of the head will separate the red patch into two smaller red patches. Instead, a red patch on the back of their heads will give curious birdwatchers insight into which sort of Woodpecker they are.Ī male Downy Woodpecker will have a solid red patch spanning the back of its head. This is not the case, however, for Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. There is a notable difference in the head shapes for plenty of similar bird species. Headsįor male Woodpeckers, in particular, there is a crucial difference between the heads of Downy Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpeckers. For identification purposes, it is easiest to stick to the tail feathers. The color markings on the rest of their plumage can be pretty unreliable. These markings can look like spots or lines. Their white outer tail feathers tend to have black markings on them. Downy Woodpeckers, however, have one slight difference with their outer tail feathers. To determine the type of Woodpecker, though, take a closer look at the tail feathers in particular.ĭowny and Hairy Woodpeckers have white outer tail feathers that complement their black central tail feathers. The feathers on Downy Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpeckers can look very similar in color, but there are a few visible differences between the two birds.īoth Woodpeckers have primarily black and white plumage, with a tiny bit of red on the males. Otherwise, looking at the Woodpeckers’ bill or plumage is an easier option. Unless someone is approaching the bird with a measuring stick or the two breeds are perched directly next to each other, which is not so likely, it can be hard to gauge their size.Īn experienced nature-lover will be able to use the foliage around them to note the bird’s size concerning leaves, trees, and branches. This difference in the two Woodpeckers’ body sizes is not always easy to notice. On the other hand, the Downy Woodpecker is about six and a half inches in length. The Hairy Woodpecker is much larger, clocking in around nine to eleven inches in length. There is roughly a three-inch difference in size between the two birds. The difference is noticeable when a Downy Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker are sitting next. Of course, the size of the bird can often be hard to see with the naked eye. The size of the bird is a dead giveaway as to whether it is a Hairy Woodpecker vs Downy Woodpecker. Besides being long and sharp, a Hairy Woodpecker’s beak will be considerably thicker and more robust. Meanwhile, a Hairy Woodpecker will have a long, dagger-like beak roughly the same length as its head. The structure of their beak will also appear to be thinner, and its end will not be as sharp. The bill will never reach a length that is longer than half of its head. In short, a Downy Woodpecker has a much smaller and stubbier beak than a Hairy Woodpecker.Ī Downy Woodpecker’s beak tends to be short and stubby. This is often the first course of action for birdwatchers who spot a Woodpecker and need a quick way to identify it. One of the most accessible ways of differentiating a Hairy Woodpecker from a Downy Woodpecker is by looking closely at the bird’s beak or its bill. Male Hairy Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Bills Then, move on by identifying them individually.īelow, find some of the critical differences in the appearance of the two types of Woodpeckers. Begin by looking at the Woodpeckers next to each other to note the differences, even if just in photos. While the appearance of these forest-dwelling birds may not seem all that different at first glance, there are visible nuances to their plumage, body size, and beak structure that will allow birdwatchers to tell them apart from each other easily.īe aware that sorting two Woodpeckers that look so similar will often take practice. When it comes to identifying a Woodpecker as either a Downy Woodpecker vs Hairy Woodpecker, all it takes is a good look at the bird. Hairy Woodpecker vs Downy Woodpecker Appearance Read on in this identification guide to discover the traits of the Hairy Woodpecker vs Downy Woodpecker that distinguish them from other birds and one another. Even the birds’ location can be a tip as to what kind of Woodpecker it is. This includes visible differences like size, the color of their tail feathers, and audible differences. There are a few key differences between the Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker that will be helpful when it comes to identifying the birds. The Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker may look and behave very similarly, but they are ultimately two different types of birds. They are undoubtedly beautiful birds, but they are also a highly beneficial component of the overall health of the forest and wildlife around them.Įven for those wildlife lovers who often contact Woodpeckers, it can still be hard to tell the difference between the two species. Woodpeckers can be a sincere delight to see or hear around some suburban neighborhoods.
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