The hairy woodpecker and the downy woodpecker have almost identical plumage
There are a variety of woodpecker species in the United States and many of them look very similar to each other. There are a few critical features that can help you identify what type of woodpecker you are looking at. One of the ways you can tell this is a hairy woodpecker is that the bill is about the same size as the length of the head. The similar looking downy woodpecker has a shorter bill relative to its head. Otherwise, the hairy woodpecker and the downy woodpecker have almost identical plumage.
There is a woodpecker called a pileated woodpecker that is much larger in overall size compared to the hairy woodpecker. Here is a photograph of a pileated woodpecker for comparison. Hairy woodpeckers will grow to a maximum of around ten inches long with a wingspan up to 16 inches long. They will weigh as much as 3.5 ounces.
Although there are a few species of woodpecker with red on their head, the location and amount of red can help you identify the woodpecker species. The pileated woodpecker has more red on its head than the small red patch that the hairy woodpecker has at the back of their head. Also, it is only males that have this red patch for hairy woodpeckers. Thus, this is a male hairy woodpecker in this photo.
The flight pattern will not help you as much with identification, as most woodpeckers have an undulating flight pattern. This is the flap-flap-glide pattern that you may recognize. When the woodpecker folds its wings during flight it falls slightly in the air, then a rapid wingbeat will raise it back up in the air. This is a very distinct flight pattern and once you recognize it, it can help you identify very quickly what type of bird you may be looking at.
This photograph was taken in the Pacific Northwest, more specifically Olympic National Park in Washington. This is a dense rainforest, and everything is covered in green moss and vines. Little light makes it through the tree canopy, which is why this photograph is a bit dark.
Woodpeckers have an undulating flight pattern
Did you know?
- Hairy woodpeckers will use their bill to make a hole in a tree where they will lay ~4 white eggs.
- Hairy woodpeckers eat insects, berries, nuts, and occasionally tree sap.
- Hairy woodpeckers have small stiff feathers that protect their nostrils from taking in small bits of sawdust and wood.
0 Comments