Hairy woodpecker
A larger, long-billed woodpecker of forests and river groves.
NPS describes the hairy woodpecker as about 9 inches long, with a long bill, white outer tail feathers and a dark chest. Males have a red patch on the head. The bird prefers forests, river groves and anywhere with large trees.
Its diet is mostly insects, with some berries, seeds, nuts and tree sap. Fine, stiff feathers cover the nostrils and protect them from flying wood and sawdust.
Some references use the genus Leuconotopicus for this species while NPS uses Dryobates, so both names are searchable. Compare the bill length and body size with the smaller downy woodpecker instead of relying on plumage.
How to recognize it
Long-billed woodpecker with white outer tail feathers; males have a red head patch.
Watching and staying safe
Watch trunks and large branches from the trail.
Places the sources name
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