Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers

Which one is the Hairy, and which one is the Downy Woodpecker?

The Hairy is the largest one, but because these species are so similar, identification can be a challenge for birdwatchers…

. but not impossible! If you can’t the size of the woodpecker, look at its color. Hairy Woodpeckers have pure white feathers underneath their black back feathers, while Downy Woodpeckers have more brownish ones.

© The Field Museum, John Bates