![]() ![]() This bird’s beak is far longer and stronger than that of other woodpeckers, and it is almost as long as the bird’s head.Īside from sharing some of the same natural environments, downy woodpeckers are much more likely to be spotted in suburban areas, and small parks than hairy woodpeckers are. The downy has a short, stubby beak that is just slightly longer than the space between the front of its head and the corner of its eye. Downy woodpeckers are more common than hairy woodpeckers.Įxamining the structure of their bills is a more reliable technique of determining the size disparities between them. Also, eats berries, seeds, and nuts.The average lifespan is four years (wild)The average lifespan is 12 years (wild)Many are permanent residents however northernmost populations may migrate south in winter.Do not migrateHave 3-8 eggs in on the clutchHave 3-6 eggs in on the clutchĭifferences between Downy Woodpecker vs Hairy Woodpeckerĭowny woodpeckers have several black lines or spots on their whitish tail feathers, but the outer tail feathers of hairy woodpeckers are normally plain and unmarked. Feeds on wood-boring beetle larvae, ladybugs, wasps, moths, and other insects. They may appear white from above.In much of the Eastern U.S., Hairy Woodpecker has totally white outer tail feathers.Do not make flock usually lives aloneSome time make a flock of 2-3 birds but prefer to live aloneThey like suet feeders and enjoy millet, almonds, and chunky nuts.Eat mostly bugs. These black bars are best seen from below. View the overview below to see how the Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker differ from one another.ĭowny WoodpeckerHairy WoodpeckerDowny Woodpecker makes the whinnying call which lasts for about 2 sec.In comparison to the Downy Woodpecker’s call, the Hairy Woodpecker’s sound is petite, sharper, and more powerful.9.8 to 12.2 inch wingspan15 inch wingspanSomewhat rounded wingsCompletely rounded wingsDowny woodpeckers are indigenous to deciduous forests in North America.The Hairy Woodpecker may be found from the coast to the highlands in North America and Central America’s mountain forests.A small black-and-white woodpeckerA large black-and-white woodpeckerThe average size is 6.5 inchesThe average size is 9.5 inchesThe Downy Woodpecker’s whitish outer tail plumes are commonly speckled with black. ![]() They can be a challenge to inexperienced or unskilled observers when it comes to identification. They are two of the most prevalent woodpecker species that may be found in the United States. We just know with confidence that we have the yellow-shafted subspecies group.In North America, the Downy and Hairy woodpeckers may be found in abundance. Since the two subspecies interbred in this range overlap, often confirming a subspecies ID is rather impractical from a casual birding standpoint. (See maps in carousel below.) The yellow-shafted flickers have yellow flight feathers as well as slightly different colors and patterning body compared to the red-shafted flickers.Īround the DMV we live on a range overlap between two northern flicker subspecies: The northern yellow-shafted flicker ( Colaptes auratus luteus) and the southeastern yellow-shafted flicker ( Colaptes auratus auratus.) The two subspecies are essentially identical in appearance though the northern yellow-shafted flicker is a bit larger. The red-shafted subspecies group is westerly with a zone of introgression/hybridization between them. Out here on the East Coast we only get the yellow-shafted subspecies group. Typically a mature northern flicker seen around the DMV will be slightly bigger than a blue jay. To tell males from females just note that males will have a dark whisker on the head while females lack this feature. Great features to examine are the tannish backside with black barring, the spotted breast, a red mark on the nape, and a black bib. Whether a northern flicker is drumming ( the act of beating its bill repeatedly against a tree) or making loud calls in the canopy, these loud communications echo throughout the woods. You’ll often hear a northern flicker before you see one. ![]()
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