When trying to identify a bird that resembles a hairy woodpecker, the downy woodpecker is often the bird in question. The downy woodpecker looks nearly identical to the hairy woodpecker, and these two species are often confused with each other by bird watchers.
Quick Answer
The bird that most closely resembles a hairy woodpecker is the downy woodpecker. The downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker look almost identical, with the main difference being size. The downy woodpecker is smaller with a shorter bill, weighing only about 1/3 as much as a hairy woodpecker.
Identifying Features of a Hairy Woodpecker
To understand what bird looks like a hairy woodpecker, it’s helpful to first learn the distinct features of a hairy woodpecker:
- Size: About 9-11 inches long with a wingspan of 13-17 inches
- Bill: Long, sturdy, and chisel-like
- Plumage: Mainly black and white. Black wings with white spots. White stripe down back. Black tail with white outer feathers.
- Red spot: Small dot of red on the back of head
- Habitat: Mature forests and woodlands
- Behavior: Hitting bark to expose insects, producing a loud “peek” sound
The hairy woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with distinct black and white plumage and a long chisel-like bill. Its striking patterning and active pecking make it easy to identify. Now that we know what a hairy woodpecker looks like, we can compare it to other similar birds.
Downy Woodpecker
The bird that looks most similar to a hairy woodpecker is the downy woodpecker. In fact, these two birds look so alike that they are often mistaken for each other. However, there are some key differences:
- Size: The downy is smaller at 6-7 inches long with a 10-12 inch wingspan. It weighs only 1/3 to 1/2 as much as a hairy.
- Bill: The downy has a smaller, stubbier bill in proportion to its body.
- Plumage: Identical black and white pattern as a hairy, just on a smaller scale.
- Voice: The downy’s call is a high-pitched “pik” while the hairy produces a raspier “peek.”
While very similar, the downy can be distinguished from the hairy by its smaller size, shorter bill, and high-pitched call. Downies are also more likely to be found in suburban areas than hairy woodpeckers.
Comparing Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers
Hairy Woodpecker | Downy Woodpecker | |
---|---|---|
Size | 9-11 inches long | 6-7 inches long |
Bill Length | Long and chisel-like | Short and stubby |
Weight | 2.5-5.5 oz | 0.75-1.5 oz |
Voice | Loud “peek” calls | High-pitched “pik” calls |
Habitat | Mature forests | Forests and suburbs |
Other Lookalike Species
Beyond the downy woodpecker, there are a few other bird species that could potentially be confused with a hairy woodpecker:
Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Larger in size with a red patch on belly
- Plumage is black and white barred on back
- Found in woodlands across eastern North America
Red-headed Woodpecker
- Named for completely red head and throat
- Body is mostly black with large white wing patches
- Found in open woodlands and urban areas
Pileated Woodpecker
- Much larger in size at 16-19 inches long
- Mainly black in color with prominent red crest
- Found in mature forests across eastern North America
While these woodpeckers have some black and white patterning, they can all be readily distinguished from a hairy woodpecker by differences in size, plumage, habitat, and range.
Identifying the Downy Woodpecker
Now that we’ve compared the hairy woodpecker to other similar birds, let’s focus again on identifying the downy woodpecker. Here are some tips:
- Look for a small black and white woodpecker, under 7 inches in size
- Note the very short bill relative to the bird’s head
- Listen for a high-pitched “pik” call
- Watch for it feeding on small branches and low on tree trunks
- Observe its bounding flight pattern with alternating flaps and glides
If you spot a tiny black and white woodpecker with a tiny bill, small size, and high-pitched call, you’ve likely found a downy woodpecker. It’s the species most likely to be mistaken for its lookalike cousin, the hairy woodpecker.
Behaviors and Habits
In addition to visual identification, understanding behavior and habitat preferences can further help distinguish between hairy and downy woodpeckers:
Foraging
- Hairies forage on tree trunks and main branches
- Downies feed on smaller branches and twigs
Habitat
- Hairies prefer mature forest interiors
- Downies thrive in parks, suburbs, and second growth forests
Social
- Hairies are loners outside breeding season
- Downies form winter foraging flocks
Observing where and how these birds feed, as well as their habitat and social patterns, can provide more clues to tell them apart when visual features alone leave you stumped.
Range and Distribution
The hairy and downy woodpeckers largely share the same geographic range. However, there are some regional differences:
- The downy is distributed throughout forested areas of North America.
- The hairy is absent from the Pacific Northwest rainforests.
- Hairys are rare in the southeastern coastal plains.
- Downys are more abundant than hairys in the east.
So in certain areas like the Pacific Northwest, any small woodpecker is much more likely to be a downy, while in southeastern old-growth forests, small woodpeckers almost always indicate a downy.
Conclusion
To summarize, the bird that looks most similar to a hairy woodpecker is the downy woodpecker. While very similar in appearance, they can be distinguished by the downy’s smaller size, shorter bill, higher-pitched voice, and preference for smaller branches and suburbs. Behaviors and geography can provide additional clues for identification. So if you spot a small black and white woodpecker, listen for its call and note habitat preferences to determine if you’re looking at a hairy woodpecker doppelganger, the downy woodpecker.
Some key points in identifying downy woodpeckers:
- Smaller in size than a hairy, with a stubbier bill
- Black and white plumage identical to a hairy’s
- Makes a high pitched “pik” call
- Found in forests and suburban areas
- Forages on smaller branches and twigs
With their near-identical looks, the downy woodpecker will always be a top contender for birds mistaken for the hairy woodpecker. Learning to recognize the subtle differences in size, vocalizations, bill proportions, preferred habitat, behavior, and distribution will help birders correctly distinguish between these two common woodpecker species that could easily be taken for each other at first glance.