The Hairy Woodpecker is the larger lookalike of the Downy Woodpecker. Hairy Woodpeckers are medium sized woodpeckers, with black wings that have white spotting on them, white bellies and chests, and a white stripe down their backs. Their heads have black and white striping, and males will often have a small red patch on the back of their heads.
Hairys are located in our region year-round, and although aren’t seen as often as their smaller counterparts, they will still visit feeders for suet and sunflower seeds during the winter. However, their preference is insects, and they can be seen foraging on trees throughout the year. Hairy Woodpeckers raise only 1 brood per year, and both parents incubate and feed their young. These are cavity nesters, and nests are usually no more than 60ft off the ground.
