But it can sometimes be seen in backyards and parks, though not as frequently as the Downy. The Hairy Woodpecker prefers more secluded, undisturbed habitat than its smaller lookalike. Though less vocal than other woodpeckers, their loud drumming carries through the forest as they communicate their territorial boundaries. Their “whinny” call is sharper and more squeaky than the Downy’s. After hatching, both parents feed the young for about 27-28 days until they fledge. The female lays 3-6 white eggs and incubates them for 12-13 days. When drumming, their blows are slower than those of Downy Woodpeckers. They feed mainly by gleaning and probing rather than drumming. Insects and larvae make up the majority of their diet. Hairy Woodpeckers use their long bills to chip away at wood to reach the insects inside. They excavate nest cavities in dead trees and fallen branches. These birds frequent mature forests with large trees, especially forests containing dead and dying trees. The male Hairy Woodpecker has a red patch on the back of the head. The bill is longer than the Downy’s as well. The white stripe down the back is also longer on the Hairy. The Hairy Woodpecker has the same black and white coloration as the Downy, but its wings are more heavily spotted with white. However, as its name implies, it is larger measuring 9-11 inches in length. The Hairy Woodpecker is very similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker and occupies much of the same habitats. Their industrious tapping sounds remind us of their constant search for their next meal. They are vocal and active birds, lending a liveliness to forests and backyards. Spotting a busy Downy Woodpecker foraging in the trees is a common sight in Vermont. They also make a “pik” call, which is faster and higher-pitched. Their “whinny” call sounds like a short descending whinny. Both parents feed the nestlings for about 18-21 days until they fledge.ĭowny Woodpeckers are non-migratory, staying in their breeding territories year-round. She incubates the eggs for 12 days until they hatch. They excavate their own nest cavities in soft wood. They will also eat seeds and berries.ĭowny Woodpeckers nest in dead trees or dying branches. Their diet consists mainly of insects like beetle larvae, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. ![]() These birds forage by hitching up and down tree trunks and branches, tapping softly to locate insects. The male has a red patch on the back of the head which the female lacks. The upperparts are black with white stripes down the back and white spotting on the wings. The Downy Woodpecker has a black and white color pattern. Despite its small size, the Downy Woodpecker is very common and can be found in deciduous forests, parks, backyards, and woodlots throughout the state. The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in Vermont, measuring only 6-7 inches in length. ![]() Woodpeckerĭeciduous forests, parks, backyards, woodlots Whether you’re a casual birdwatcher or seasoned ornithologist, you’ll gain valuable insights into Vermont’s woodpecker world with this informative guide. It covers key identification points, habitat preferences, feeding, nesting behaviors, migration patterns, and the best places to spot these forest birds. This article explores 7 of the most common and unique woodpecker species found in Vermont, from the tiny Downy Woodpecker to the crow-sized Pileated Woodpecker. These industrious birds play important roles in the state’s ecosystems while bringing their vibrant colors, distinctive markings, and behaviors into view for birdwatchers. Vermont’s forests come alive each spring with the lively sounds of woodpeckers foraging and communicating across the woodlands.
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