Field Guide to Westford

Hairy Woodpecker 

 

Picoides villosus

Physical description:

Like the Downy woodpecker, the male Hairy woodpecker has a small bright red dot at the back of it’s head. It has a long bill similar to that of the Red-bellied woodpecker. It has a thinner and longer body than most woodpeckers.It’s head is much more oval shaped than other woodpeckers. Whitish-black rump. From the top of its head to the base of its tail it is 9.25 inches long. 

Habitat:

Mature deciduous and/or coniferous forests. May visit backyard bird feeders. 

Voice:

Deeper chirps than that of the Downy, but similar pattern. 

 

For more information we suggest visiting:

 http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/learn/identification/woodpeckers/hairy-woodpecker.php