- Picoides villosus
Location: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Canada
Identification
In the field, the Hairy Woodpecker can be distinguished from the smaller Downy Woodpecker by the larger bill that is at least as long as its head. The bill of the Downy Woodpecker is only half as long as its head. The calls and drumming sounds of each species are different. Males have a red patch on the back of the head. Females lack this red patch. Juvenile and second year birds have red feathers in the crown. The male usually has a more extensive covering of red feathers than the female., but it is often difficult to determine the sex of young birds.
Distribution
Taxonomy
Habitat
Behaviour
The chisel-like bill enables this woodpecker to excavate in wood to feed on wood-boring insects. Diet also consists of berries and acorns, and it will visit backyard feeders for seeds and suet. Hairy Woodpeckers are cavity nesters. Both sexes excavate a cavity in live wood. From 3 to 6 eggs are incubated by both parents. Males brood the eggs at night, and females during the day. Eggs hatch in about two weeks, and young birds leave the cavity in about a month. Young birds will accompany adults for the first two weeks or so before they become independent/
