Downy woodpeckers range throughout most of the U.S. and are common in residential areas throughout the year. These small, black and white woodpeckers, often seen in pairs, are rather tame and usually feed in the company of chickadees, titmice and nuthatches.
In contrast, their larger cousin, the hairy woodpecker, is somewhat reclusive, favoring dense forest and rural woodlands. Come winter, however, they often visit residential areas, chasing downies and their cohorts from the suet block. Though their black and white markings are nearly identical to those of downy woodpeckers, hairies are significantly larger (jay-sized) and have longer, heavier bills; the males of both species have a red patch on the back of their head. Loners, hairy woodpeckers are wary birds and usually fly off if you get too close.
While he may not be neighborly, the hairy woodpecker plays a major role in the control of bark beetles and other harmful insects. If for no other reason, that service should make him welcome in our back-yards.
