Downy vs. Hairy Woodpecker: How to Tell These Common Backyard Birds Apart

Is that a downy or a hairy woodpecker? Both are frequent feeder visitors, but their similar coloration and behavior can stump even seasoned birders. Sometimes even ornithologists aren't sure with a quick glance. Read on to learn the tricks for identifying these dynamic, year-round residents.

Latin names: Picoides pubescens and Picoides villosus
Common names: Downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker
Distribution: Both found throughout U.S. except small parts of Southwest, southern Texas, Hawaii. Hairy woodpecker extends to Mexico and Central America. Both range into Alaska and much of Canada.

Habitat

Prefer mature forests with open woodland areas, but highly adaptable—orchards, city parks, cemeteries, residential yards, vacant lots. Insects are the bulk of their diet, gleaned by pecking bark. Also visit feeders for suet, sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts.

When to Look

Year-round.

How to Identify Them

Both have black-and-white wing banding, a large white back patch, and two white head stripes. Males have a bright red patch on the crown; females lack it. The main difference is body size and bill length.

Hairy woodpecker (right in comparison photos) is larger by a couple of inches. Downy: ≤6.5 in, ~1 oz. Hairy: 7–10 in, up to 3.5 oz. Hairy's bill is longer, dagger-like; downy's bill is shorter than its head. Both have cute tufts at the bill base.

Tip: "Downy is dainty, and hairy is huge."

Sexes are similar in size and patterning; the red crown patch on males is the key sex differentiator—easier than telling downy from hairy.

Attracting Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

They forage on hardwood and softwood trunks/branches for insects. Downy also drills into goldenrod galls for larvae. Hairy sometimes feeds on sap from sapsucker wells. In winter, they'll take seeds.

Offer Ideal Habitat

Encourage native trees (hardwoods and softwoods) plus goldenrod and sunflower patches. Install suet feeders (high on their list); also sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts. Downy especially favors backyard feeders for high-calorie, low-effort meals.

Leave Dead Trees Standing

If they don't threaten structures or people, leave dead trees (snags). They provide food, shelter, nesting habitat. Cut to 6 ft to minimize risk. You'll witness incredible avian activity and gain an artistic focal point.

Both species raise 3–8 young in living or dead tree cavities (snags vital). Living trees may have fungal infection, easing excavation. Both parents excavate, incubate, and feed young. Chicks are adorable when they poke heads out begging.

Dealing with Drumming on Houses

Spring drumming is territorial or nest-building. Damage can occur anytime if siding harbors insects. Reflective streamers are the most effective deterrent (Cornell research). Hang them where woodpeckers are active. Be patient—habitat loss drives them to our homes. Discourage damage while protecting birds and maintaining habitat.

YardMap is a Cornell Lab of Ornithology citizen science project cultivating understanding of bird habitat. Thousands document conservation efforts at home.