Woodpeckers

Hairy Woodpecker, Picoides villosus

Family Picidae (Woodpeckers)

Size: 9"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Mixed woodlands, streamsides near large trees

The hairy woodpecker is very similar in plumage to the downy woodpecker but is larger and has a heavier bill. Also, it pecks for insects in tree bark or on larger branches and will not feed from smaller twigs, as does the downy. It is mostly black above with a white patch on the back and outer tail feathers and some white spotting on the wings. The underside is white with no barring. The head is patterned black and white, and there are small nasal tufts. Males show a red patch on the back of the crown. The voice includes a high-pitched, squeaky chip-chip, as well as loud drumming. The adult female is illustrated.