Hairy Woodpecker vs Downy Woodpecker Sounds

The hairy woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America, growing to between 24-28 inches long. The downy woodpecker is slightly smaller, reaching a maximum length of 22 inches.

The hairy woodpecker has a long, bushy tail, and a broad, rounded head. It is primarily black and white with a red patch on its nape. Its face and crown are red. Its legs and feet are yellowish, and the rest of its plumage is brown.

The downy woodpecker is similar in appearance, but is much smaller, measuring 18-20 inches in length. It is dark gray above with a whitish belly. Its face, crown, and legs are all yellow. Its tail is short, and its feet are yellow.

HABITAT

Both species are found in deciduous and coniferous forests, especially in the Eastern United States. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, urban areas, and even suburbs.

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SOUND

While the hairy woodpecker is often heard drumming on trees and hollow logs, the downy woodpecker is a silent bird. Instead, it makes a series of loud, rapid tapping noises.

The hairy woodpecker is often heard drumming at night, and the downy woodpecker may be heard during the day.

Hearing the call of a Woodpecker will also tell you if it’s a Downy or one that is a Hairy Woodpecker. Naturally, hearing a bird’s call to determine the species of bird isn’t always easy. But, those who are aware of what to pay attention to will be able to distinguish between the calls of the Downy Woodpecker and the call of a Hairy.

Downy Woodpeckers

have a less tinier call that decreases in pitch towards the end of its. However, Hairy Woodpeckers have a greater volume, a stronger calling, and most demanding. They will also hold their pitch throughout the duration during the entire call.

Particularly, when you are listening to birds by ear Woodpeckers There’s a different method to distinguish between the different breeds.

The speed they drum or poke at trees can tell you what kind species of birds they belong to. Hairy Woodpeckers are able to drum a quicker drum as Downy Woodpeckers.

Hairy Woodpecker vs Downy Woodpecker Behavior

Despite their similarities, two kinds of Woodpeckers are very different in their behavior.The downy Woodpeckers are generally more confident as well as more social. This is the main reason they are comfortable in urban areas or parks. Being in the vicinity of humans is not a problem for them. They also have a tendency to be more social with bird watchers.

Downy Woodpeckers can also be seen fluttering to other bird species. It’s not the case however they are Hairy Woodpeckers.

A hairy Woodpeckers have a tendency to become cautious species. They prefer to remain alone and don’t like to socialize with other individuals from the same family. They are not affluent with other birds and humans have a hard time getting their trust.

Hairy Woodpecker vs Downy Woodpecker Diet

Hairy Woodpeckers as well as Downy Woodpeckers share similar diets, mostly of insects. They feed on larvae as well as spiders, grubs as well as other insects that live mostly in wood.

The bird is benefited in that it gives them the protein and nutrition they require, however it also stops trees from becoming damaged by eliminating insects that can cause damage to the bark.

If you are trying to draw or attract Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers to their nest, the types of food that are appealing to both species are the same. Both Woodpeckers like the following food items:

Be aware that the lure of Woodpeckers in a suburban area could attract Downy Woodpeckers in the same way, since Hairy Woodpeckers prefer to be in woods since they are suspicious of humans.

Are They Related?

It’s easy to believe that, since that the Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker appear so similar that they are close relatives. However, that isn’t the case.

“Yes, Bird With Orange Chest This bird has an orange chest and a yellow belly. It has a black head and a black tail.”

The Hairy-Woodpecker has more genetic ancestry with the Ladder-back Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpeckers are related to the White-cockaded and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

The remarkably like traits of these two birds really has nothing to do with blood connection. It is possible that they appear like they do due to the evolutionary context.

Keep in mind that Downy Woodpeckers are much smaller in comparison to Hairy Woodpeckers. There are some scientists who believe they have evolved to look like the Hairy Woodpecker in order to fool the Hairy itself as well as other species into believing that it is the bigger or more frightening bird.

Final Word

What do we think? What is the conclusion? Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker are gorgeous birds to observe for birdwatchers or those who observe flutters of wings from their backyard.

Although both species are important and cherished component of their ecosystems, there are some major distinctions between the birds that birders should be sure to keep an eye on.Their plumage, beak size body size, habitation voice, and behavior make them distinct.

The next time you see a Woodpecker is making a noise at trees or flapping its white and black wings be sure to follow this guide to determine the difference between an Downy Woodpecker or one that is a Hairy Woodpecker.