Downy vs. Hairy Woodpeckers

[wishiwere]

Here's an example of both. Very similar, but I've found the best way to ID one from the other is the length of the bill. The Hairy has bill as long as it's head, while the Downy has a shorter one. The hairy is also a larger bird than the downy.

The last pic was really neat to capture, although it isn't that clear, it surely gives you an idea of how great they look from above when flying!

[eastwood2007]

Cool!

[nanny_56]

I am trying to teach my dh how to tell the difference!

Once you have seen a Hairy vs the downy it is very obvious! We have downy's all over the place but the hairy is not a numerouse and seems a little shier about coming to as close.

[wishiwere]

In the last few years we've had a ton of woodpeckers, but not sure why. We fed them for over 20 years and all of sudden we started noticing them this past 2 years.

The Downy comes within 6 feet of us, but the other is a bit shyer. Still doesn't seem to mind being photographed from a distance. I'm usually about 35 feet from him when I do get him/her.

[oldcoot]

we have three kinds in our back yard. Most of hem are Downey's, and we do have a few Hairies. Have only seen One red head-, but did manage to make a nice picture of him. We feed our birds the year round and have lot of Chickadees, Tit mouses, CARDINALS, Doves and HOUSE finches, Guess with the warn spell we are having we need to start feeding daily rather than twice a week........

OC reacdy to start Birding again .......

[wishiwere]

I'll be really HAPPY when I can afford it again, OC! There's just something calming about sitting on the patio and photographing them or enjoying the cooing of waking up to a mourning dove!