Hairy Woodpecker
Description: Mid sized woodpecker, spotted wings with a white stripe down the back. Males and females can be distinguished by the male's red head marking and the lack of one on the female. Bill is heavier than that of the Downy Woodpecker and overall bird is larger than the petite downy.
Nest: Excavated in a snag or dead part of a tree. The nest is lined with only wood chips.
Eggs: 3-6 white eggs, unmarked.
Diet: Insects, larvae and spiders. Fruits such as dogwood are also taken, especially in fall when they are most available. These birds readily visit feeders taking suet, peanuts and sunflower seeds. They store seeds in nooks of bark and crevices in trees. Their chisel-like bills chip away bark and rotten wood to expose insects and wood boring larvae.
Habitat: Forests, especially deciduous woodlands. These birds are non-migratory in our area. These birds will drum on trees or posts to let other individuals know the boundaries of their territory.
Nest: Excavated in a snag or dead part of a tree. The nest is lined with only wood chips.
Eggs: 3-6 white eggs, unmarked.
Diet: Insects, larvae and spiders. Fruits such as dogwood are also taken, especially in fall when they are most available. These birds readily visit feeders taking suet, peanuts and sunflower seeds. They store seeds in nooks of bark and crevices in trees. Their chisel-like bills chip away bark and rotten wood to expose insects and wood boring larvae.
Habitat: Forests, especially deciduous woodlands. These birds are non-migratory in our area. These birds will drum on trees or posts to let other individuals know the boundaries of their territory.
