Appendix:Downy Woodpecker vs. Hairy Woodpecker



These two birds are both black and white while the males have a small red nape patch while females don't have this. They both have a white back which helps to ID them from other woodpeckers; while other woodpeckers have white rumps or white bars on the back, Hairy and Downy are the only woodpeckers in North America with a white back.

While they are both found in the United States and Canada, Hairy is found all the way to Panama.

Description
A small, short-billed woodpecker, like a small version of the Hairy; with proportionately large head and short broad neck. Bill less than ½ depth of head. Outer tail feathers generally have faint bars or spots.

Behaviour
The call is softer and higher-pitched and not as wild sounding than Hairy's; has a flat pick!, not as sharp as the Hairy's peek!.

Description
Medium-sized woodpecker with a long bill that is usually more than ½ depth of head; its bill is exaggerated compared with the Downy's little bill. If size is difficult to judge, the Hairy's bill is larger and more robust. They have a thinner body, more oblong head, defined neck, longer bill and proportionately smaller nasal tufts than the Downy. The outer tail feathers are generally white, they generally lack the black spots along the tail and have a longer and more distinct black mark on the shoulder. Black bars can be found on Hairys found in the Pacific race and birds found in Newfoundland.

Behaviour
The peek call is much louder than the Downy's; a kingfisher-like rattle, run together more than the call of the Downy; note the sharp peek!. Has a larger, more oval-shaped cavity than the Downy.