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Hairy Woodpecker


Picture
The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is 8.5 to 10.5 inches in length.  It is similar to the Downy Woodpecker, but is larger, has a longer bill, and less tame.  The Hairy Woodpecker has a long black bill that is nearly as long as the head is deep.  It has white underparts, a white face with a black malar mark and a wedge shaped stripe through the eye.  It has a white back and black wings with white spotting/barring.  The males have a red occipital patch, while the females lack any red.

The song is a downslurred whinny while the call is a sharp, peek.  The Hairy Woodpecker feed primarily on wood-boring insects and their larvae, nuts, seeds, and from the holes drilled by Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers.  They will occasionally come to feeders for sunflower seeds, nuts, fruits, peanut butter, and suet.

This woodpecker is fairly common, but is sometimes more common in northern hardwood and boreal forests.  It is rare in the deep south and in Florida.

Click here for a range map and additional information.

Click on the player below to hear the Hairy Woodpecker.