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Broad Ripple Random Ripplings
The news from Broad Ripple
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Birds Of Broad Ripple: Discerning Differences - by Brandt Carter and Jeffrey L. Stone
posted: May 01, 2025
Woodpeckers
The bird world can be confusing because we often observe birds quickly and in silhouette. So in this issue let's explore some common and very similar woodpeckers in our area and at our feeders. Let's see the difference between the Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker.
| Downy Woodpecker | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Smaller, 6-7 inches long | Larger, 9-10 inches long |
| Bill size critical: it's shorter (about 1.3 the length of its body, stubbier) | Bill size is longer (about the same length as its body) |
| Black and white with a few black bars or spots on their white outer tail feathers | The outer tail feathers are usually plain and unmarked |
| Call: Softer series of quick peeps | Call: Sharper more resonant chik sound. |
The Downy looks like the little brother of the Hairy. The Downy may be a more frequent visitor to our feeder due to their higher population in our urban woods. Hopefully you will see the two woodpeckers side-by-side so identification is easier.
Hairy Woodpecker
image courtesy of Jeffrey L. Stone
Downy Woodpecker
image courtesy of Jeffrey L. Stone
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Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com
brandt@broadripplegazette.com
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