Identification Keys and Tips
| Downy Woodpecker | Hairy Woodpecker | |
| Picoides pubescens | Picoides villosus | |
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| Plumage patterns on the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are strikingly similar, with very little to differentiate the two species. Upon seeing an individual bird, identification can at first be difficult. Size is an obvious means to discriminate the two species, but this sometimes isn't apparent with a lone bird. The obvious key to differentiate between the two species is length and appearance of the bill, in addition to voice differeences. | ||
| Length: 6.75 inches | Length: 9.25 inches | |
| Wingspan: 12 inches | Wingspan: 15 inches | |
| Bill: Short stubby bill, much shorter than head length. | Bill: Longer and sturdier bill, nearly as long as head length | |
| Tail Feathers: White outer tail feathers with black spots. | Tail Feathers: White outer tail feathers, lacking spots | |
| Call: Short mellow pik | Call: Higher-pitched, bold peek | |
| Behavior: Generally tamer than Hairy Woodpecker, often allowing close approach | Behavior: Generally shy, difficult to approach | |
| South Dakota Status: Common permanent resident throughout the state, typically much more common than Hairy, and more likely to be found in residential areas. | South Dakota Status: Uncommon permanent resident throughout the state, generally less likely to be found in residential areas. | |
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