The Shopwada Journal

Downy Woodpecker

Species ID guides, backyard how-tos, seasonal birding and gift ideas — written by the Shopwada Field Team.

Audubon's Downy Woodpecker plate beside Shopwada's watercolor Downy Woodpecker on a birch trunk
Bird Guides

Downy vs. Hairy Woodpecker: How to Tell Them Apart

Same black-and-white suit, same red patch — but one is a third bigger with a much longer bill. Five reliable ways to separate Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.

4 min read