Hairy Woodpecker or Downy Woodpecker?

We saw a woodpecker sometime in February 2023 that looked like a Downy Woodpecker, but it appeared to be a bit larger than what we usually see. We assume it was a Hairy Woodpecker.  The two woodpeckers look quite a bit alike. Sadly when I ran to get the camera it flew away. 

From Audobon.com:

How to Tell a Hairy Woodpecker From a Downy Woodpecker. Although they’re very similar, there are some key differences to look out for.

First, check for the major difference in bill size. The Downy’s bill is dainty and about one-third the length of the bird’s head. The Hairy’s bill is a railroad spike in comparison, and almost as long as its head.

The next best clue is the overall size. The Downy is a little over six inches tall, while the Hairy is almost 50 percent taller. A Downy is about the size of a House Sparrow, while the Hairy is about the size of a robin.

More subtle clues include the Hairy’s all-white outer tail feathers, compared to the Downy’s spotted ones. Also, the male Hairy’s red patch is often split in two, while the Downy’s is not.

Hairy vs Downy Woodpeckers


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