Hairy woodpeckers are interesting due to their striking resemblance to downy woodpeckers. If you are having trouble distinguishing between the two species, as many bird watchers do, there are a few hints that might be able to tip you off.
First, hairy woodpeckers are larger than downy woodpeckers and due to their larger size, they frequently nest and eat insects from larger trees.
Also, hairy woodpeckers have a seemingly endless supply of energy when it comes to feeding, and they are known to dig deep into trees to fish out their prized food source, larvae of wood-boring insects.
So, if you think you are seeing a large and energetic downy woodpecker, you are probably actually seeing a hairy woodpecker.
They also have a wider range than downy woodpeckers and can be found all over the United States and Canada, aside from extreme northern Canada, and extreme southern United States.
When can this bird be seen in the state?
Hairy woodpeckers can be found in Ohio throughout all seasons. They are not migratory, although if the weather gets harsh enough, they might take a trip further south to seek more comfortable conditions, but this is not a pre-programmed trip that they take each year.
Where can this bird be seen in the state?
Hairy woodpeckers can be seen all over Ohio and are relatively common, although their population has been decreasing. They do need large trees to dig for insects and to build cavities to nest in.
I have two kinds , red bellied and downy wood peckers here is Southern Ohio
I am just south of Lancaster Ohio. Yesterday I saw a pileated woodpecker, as well as a red headed, a downy and a red bellied woodpecker all within about 15 minutes. In fact, they all (individually) came to eat from my suet feeder that I have hanging on my deck. I was amazed that even the pileated woodpecker ate from the feeder.