9.25 inches long. The Hairy Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with a fairly large black bill that is about as long as the depth of its head. The crown is black. The face is white with a broad black stripe behind the eye and a black moustache. The nape is black and the back is white and the rump is black. The wings are black and checkered with white spots. The underparts are white. The tail is black with white outer tails feathers with no black bars. The adult male has a red patch on the nape while this red patch is not present in the female.
The Hairy Woodpecker is a somewhat common year round resident that breeds in the Forest.
The Hairy Woodpecker is one of the most widespread woodpeckers in North America. It feeds primarily on wood-boring insects and their larvae. It lives in forest and woodland habitats but readily comes to feeders where is eats seeds and suet. Away from feeders, it is relatively shy. Its name is derived from the long, wispy white or whitish feathers in the middle of its back. The song is a loud whinny on one pitch. The call is a loud bold “peek”.
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