Downy Woodpecker or Hairy Woodpecker?
Of all the species of woodpecker, no two are so widespread yet so challenging to identify as downy woodpeckers and hairy woodpeckers. While there are some subtle differences that can help birders determine which bird is which, the best way to be certain of the identification is through extensive practice and careful scrutiny of different birds. Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker Identification Characteristics When observing these black and white woodpeckers, consider the following characteristics to tell which is a downy and which is a hairy… • Size: The bird’s size is the easiest and most obvious way to determine its species. Downy woodpeckers are small, only about 6-7 inches in length, while hairy woodpeckers are larger, usually 9-11 inches in length. While judging a bird’s size in the field can be difficult, it is useful to compare the bird’s length to nearby objects that can be
