Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker
© Jack Bartholmai

The hairy woodpecker is a larger relative of the downy woodpecker. Both birds have a characteristic white stripe down their backs. But the hairy woodpecker is a couple inches bigger than the downy, measuring about 8 inches. The best way to tell them apart is by looking at the bird's bill. The hairy has a longer bill in relation to its head. And, the downy has a ladder of black bands on its outer white tail feathers. Both are common year-round residents in Wisconsin.

Woodpeckers like to eat suet from winter feeders.

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