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Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

Least Concern
This striking black-and-white woodpecker drums its way through forests across North America, leaving telltale holes as it hunts for insects beneath tree bark.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Hairy Woodpecker is a striking black and white bird with a long, chisel-like bill. Its back is black with a broad white stripe down the center, while its underparts are white. The wings display white spots, creating a checkered pattern when folded.

Males have a small red patch on the back of the head, which females lack. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a red or yellowish crown patch and appear duller overall. The bird's plumage remains consistent year-round.

Size

Length

18cm to 26cm

Wingspan

33cm to 41cm

Weight

40g to 95g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Red

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Primary Colour (Female)

Black White

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Hairy Woodpecker can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Hairy Woodpecker can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Hairy Woodpecker is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Hairy Woodpeckers inhabit mature deciduous and mixed forests across North America, from Alaska to Florida. They are also found in wooded urban areas, parks, and orchards. These birds are year-round residents throughout most of their range.

They are widely distributed in the United States and Canada, adapting well to various woodland habitats. Their presence extends from sea level to high-elevation mountain forests, showcasing their adaptability to diverse environments.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 3,450 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Hairy Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Canada Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Nicaragua Panama Saint Pierre and Miquelon The Bahamas United States of America
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Puerto Rico Turks and Caicos

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Hairy Woodpecker displays remarkable agility, adeptly manoeuvring up tree trunks and along branches. Its ability to navigate complex forest structures and perform precise movements whilst foraging and drumming demonstrates high agility.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

With its powerful bill capable of drilling holes up to 1 inch deep in wood, the Hairy Woodpecker exhibits considerable strength for its size. Its ability to extract wood-boring insects and create nesting cavities in trees indicates robust muscular capability.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

This species shows impressive adaptability, thriving in various habitats from sea level to 3,450 metres elevation. Its ability to adjust its diet seasonally and colonise urban areas alongside natural forests demonstrates strong adaptive traits.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Whilst generally not overly aggressive, Hairy Woodpeckers display territorial behaviour during breeding season. Males engage in drumming displays to establish boundaries, and both sexes defend nesting sites, indicating moderate aggressiveness.

Endurance 75

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The energetic foraging behaviour and ability to drill repeatedly into wood suggest good endurance. Their capacity to inhabit a wide range of elevations and withstand diverse climatic conditions, from temperate to subarctic, also points to robust endurance.

Diet

Hairy Woodpeckers primarily feed on wood-boring insects, particularly beetle larvae, which they extract from tree bark using their strong bills. They also consume ants, caterpillars, and spiders.

In winter, they supplement their diet with nuts, seeds, and berries and readily visit suet feeders in residential areas.

Behaviour

Hairy Woodpeckers are known for their energetic foraging behavior, often seen hitching up tree trunks and along branches in search of insects. They are generally solitary but may form loose flocks in winter.

These birds are territorial during breeding season, with males performing drumming displays to establish boundaries and attract mates.

Vocalisation

The Hairy Woodpecker's most common call is a sharp, loud 'peek' or 'peenk', often repeated in a series. During the breeding season, they produce a rattling or whinny-like call.

Their drumming is loud and rapid, lasting about a second, and is used for communication and foraging. They drum a rapid burst of about 25 taps in a single second but then pause for about 20 seconds before repeating.

Nesting & Breeding

Hairy Woodpeckers form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in late spring. Males initiate courtship with drumming displays and vocalizations to attract females.

Both sexes work together to excavate a nesting cavity in a dead tree or large branch, usually 5-21 meters above the ground. The female lays 3-6 white eggs in the unlined cavity.

Incubation lasts about 11-12 days, with both parents sharing duties. Nestlings fledge after 28-30 days but may continue to be fed by parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Hairy Woodpecker is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces challenges from habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development. Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature forests and promoting the retention of dead trees, which are crucial for nesting and foraging.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

8,900,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Listen for their sharp 'peek' call or rapid drumming on trees
  • Look for them on tree trunks and large branches in mature forests
  • Observe their distinctive black and white plumage pattern
  • Check backyard suet feeders, especially in winter
  • Compare size to the similar but smaller Downy Woodpecker

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Hairy

Family:

Picidae

Average Lifespan

4 to 11 years

Predators

Main predators include hawks, owls, and tree-climbing snakes. Squirrels and raccoons may prey on eggs and nestlings.

Did You Know?

  1. Hairy Woodpeckers can drill holes up to 1 inch deep to access insect larvae.
  2. They have bristle-like feathers over their nostrils to prevent inhalation of wood chips while drilling.
  3. These woodpeckers sometimes follow Pileated Woodpeckers to scavenge insects from their larger excavations.

FAQs

Do Hairy Woodpeckers go to bird feeders?

Hairy Woodpeckers often visit bird feeders. They love energy-rich foods like peanut butter, suet, and sunflower seeds.

Why is a Hairy Woodpecker called hairy?

Hairy Woodpeckers take their name from the hair-like feathers on their back. However, this feature is not particularly eye-catching, so their size, bill length, and patterning are better ways to identify these common birds.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Leuconotopicus villosus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22681166A141046523.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2019: Partners in Flight

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