Downy and Hairy woodpeckers are widely distributed across North America. Both commonly visit feeder areas where they feed on suet and sometimes seeds. These woodpeckers are the only common woodpeckers that show a vertical white stripe on the back. Males of both species have a red patch on the back of the head. Juveniles may have a wash of red, orange, or (rarely) yellow on the crown.
Overall size and bill size and shape are the most useful characters for distinguishing the two species in the field. There are subtle plumage features that can also be useful when a good closeup view is possible.
Field Marks
Downy Woodpecker by Maria Corcacas, Hairy Woodpecker by Gord Belyea
Downy Woodpecker by Gary Mueller, Hairy Woodpecker by Alice Kahn
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Some individuals show a “comma-shaped” black mark that extends from the shoulder onto the breast, though it is often not as obvious as it is on the Hairy.
Note the well-developed “comma-shaped” black mark extending from the shoulder onto the breast. This feature is often less obvious in Downy Woodpeckers and is sometimes a useful distinguishing mark.
Downy Woodpecker upper tail by Maria Corcacas, Downy Woodpecker under tail by Maria Corcacas, Hairy Woodpecker upper tail by Tammie Hache, Hairy Woodpecker under tail by Sandra Hawkins
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
The white outer tail feathers on the Downy Woodpecker are usually barred in black, giving a spotted effect. These black bars are most easily visible from below. From above, they may appear white, so make sure you look from the correct angle.
In most of the Eastern U.S., Hairys have completely white outer tail feathers. Black bars can be found on the outer tail feathers on birds of the Pacific race and in Newfoundland.
Identification Tips
Check the heaviness and length of the bill compared to the head. If the bill looks small, much smaller than the width of the head, the bird is a Downy.
Try to see if a some black extends from the neck/shoulder into the upper breast of the bird. This can be difficult to see in the field but can help confirm an identification if you can see it. The photos above show the difference in this marking between the two species.
Look for black on the outer tail feathers. If you can see the under side of the outer tail feathers, and they are completely white, then you can be certain that you have a Hairy Woodpecker. This field mark can be tricky, though. Sometimes black barring shows on the outer side of these feathers, but not always, and it can be difficult to see the underside of the feathers. Furthermore, although Downys never have completely white outer tail feathers underneath, some Hairy Woodpeckers have the barring, so seeing bars does not necessarily mean you have a Downy.
Look at the overall size of the bird. Size is a reliable field mark, but it can be difficult to judge in the field. Some participants have measured their feeders to help them judge size. One participant even marked different lengths on his peanut feeder.
