Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker

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
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Field Marks

Downy Woodpecker by Maria Corcacas, Hairy Woodpecker by Gord Belyea

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Field Mark	Downy Woodpecker	Hairy Woodpecker

Size	A small black-and-white woodpecker (approximately 6.5″ long).	A black-and-white woodpecker about the size of a robin (averaging 9.25″ long).
Bill	The bill is rather short and dainty, about one-third as long as the distance from the base of the bill to the back of the head.	The bill is long, chisel-like, about as long as the distance from the base of the bill to the back of the head.
“Comma” Mark	Some individiuals 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’s and is sometimes a useful distinguishing mark.
Tail	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.