When it comes to woodpeckers, the Downy and Hairy are almost identical in appearance. Both reside across our area with the Downy being more abundant and the one most often seen at backyard feeders. There are several ways to correctly identify each bird, but one is by far the easiest. 

Some may argue that size is the most obvious difference between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers with the former measuring 6-1/2″ in length and the latter 9-1/2″. Agreed, a 3″ size difference when it comes to birds is substantial; however, when seen at a distance or not side-by-side this can still leave many unsure. 

Identifying each bird by their call is another way to tell the difference between a Downy and a Hairy. However, many birders and nature enthusiasts are just not comfortable relying on sound, besides what if the bird is seen and not heard? Learning to identify birds by ear takes quite a bit of practice and is more time consuming than the method I am going to share.  

Looking carefully at their plumage is another option for correctly deciphering between a Downy and Hairy. Both woodpeckers have white outer tail feathers with the Downy displaying black spots on their outer tail feathers while the Hairy’s are plain white. The male Downy and Hairy each display a patch of red on the back of their heads with the Hairy’s being divided in two by a black line. Seeing these characteristics while in the field even with quality binoculars can be a challenge to say the least. 

By now you might be feeling overwhelmed and doubting your confidence to correctly identify these similar woodpeckers. Let me reassure you it is not that difficult. The easiest way to identify a Downy or Hairy is to look at the length of their bill. The Downy Woodpecker has a much shorter bill roughly 1/3 the length of the bird’s head while the Hairy’s bill is nearly the same length as its head. Even when these birds are pressed against a tree they will often pause with their heads pulled back long enough to get a look at their bill. Quickly size it up in relation to their head and just like that, you have a positive identification.  

In the above photo, three of the field marks I mentioned previously can be seen on this Hairy Woodpecker. Note the lack of black spots on the bird’s outer tail feathers. Also visible is the black line that divides the red patch on the back of this male bird’s head. However, the length of the bird’s bill is by far the easiest field mark to see. Sizing it up with the bird’s head shows that it’s roughly the same length, thus correctly identifying this woodpecker as a Hairy. 

Next time you come across a woodpecker and find yourself asking Downy or Hairy? take a look at the bird’s bill. If the bill is roughly the same length as the bird’s head it’s a Hairy, if the bill is shorter than the bird’s head it’s a Downy. Remembering this simple tip will help you quickly and accurately identify these similar woodpeckers. 

Good birding,
Paul