Hairy Woodpecker

Male
Female

Year-round

Size
9.25"
Listen
Plumage / Description

Male plumage is distinguished from female plumage by a small red patch on the nape. Males and females have a solid white throat, breast, and belly, and a large white patch down the center of the back. Black wings with extensive white markings, and a mostly black tail with solid white outer tail feathers. Crown black, white eye-stripe, black cheek, and black malar outlined on either side by white.

Habitat

Pinyon/Juniper, Ponderosa/Coniferous, Riparian/Deciduous, Residential

Relative Abundance

Common in proper habitat

Behavior

Bark gleaner, exfoliates bark from the trunks of trees as it searches for insects. Frequently seen as a pair. At backyard bird feeding stations will frequent suet feeders.

Diet

Insects, seeds, nuts, suet

Similar Species

Downy Woodpecker

Best Sites

Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake, Granite Basin Recreation Area, Groom Creek, Walker