The Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus; Dryobates villosus) is a small species of woodpecker found throughout North America and parts of Central America.
They are often confused with a similar looking species called the Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens). The bill size is often what is used by observers to differentiate these two species. The Hairy Woodpecker has a longer bill in comparison to the Downy woodpecker.
Hairy Woodpecker Appearance:
Hairy woodpecker males and females look similar except that males have a reddish marking near the back of their head. Their plumage is black and white. They have black wings with white spots and a face with black and white stripes. Their breasts are mainly white. There are variations to their appearance such as in Central America where they have a brownish color to their breasts.
Hairy Woodpecker Diet:
Hairy Woodpeckers diet is mostly on insects, but they also eat seeds and sap. The Hairy Woodpecker is a predator of wood-borer beetles. This makes the Hairy Woodpecker great for preying on invasive and destructive insect species.
Hairy Woodpecker Sighting:
I saw this Hairy Woodpecker when I was completing my 7th peak of the Catskill 3500s on Panther Mountain’s Giant Ledge trail.
The noise came first. I heard a repetitious thud followed by a moment of silence. Suddenly, I saw a bird fly ahead onto a tree. It pranced along a branch and began to jackhammer the wood. Luckily, I was able to take some photographs and videos.
On my hikes, I like to time myself. Especially on the way out of the trail. Upon seeing the woodpecker, I was reminded that it is also good to take time and enjoy nature even when you pass sights you may have seen on your way up the mountain. Because sometimes, nature has a way of sharing a new experience even in those old familiar places.
Species Spotlight:
| Common name | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Species | Leuconotopicus villosus; Dryobates villosus |
| Location Spotted | Panther Mountain (Giant Ledge Trail), Ulster County, New York |
| Date Spotted | March 9th, 2023 |
| Sighting and Trail Remarks | Panther Mountain was covered in snow. The trail called Giant Ledge, where I saw two Hairy Woodpeckers, is near a ridge overlooking the valley. The woodpeckers flew from tree to tree stopping to hammer on the branches until they moved to the next location. |