Picoides
villosus
(Hairy
Woodpecker)
Physical
Description:
8 1/2-10 1/2" (22-27 cm).
A medium-sized, black-and-white woodpecker. Larger than its relative, the Downy.
Black-and-white striped head with black eye-mask. Light belly and breast; white
back; black wings with white spots; large bill. Tail black with white outer
tail feathers. Male has small red patch on nape
.
Similar Species- Downy Woodpecker, Strickland's Woodpecker
Song:
A
loud, sharp, high-pitched peek!, and a short Kingfisher-like rattle.
Distribution:
Breeds
from western and central Alaska, east to northern Saskatchewan and Newfoundland,
and south to northern Baja California, highlands of Middle America, Gulf Coast,
and southern Florida. Winters generally throughout breeding range; more northern
populations are partially migratory.
Diet:
Eats mainly insects (beetles, ants, and
caterpillars, but especially boring larvae). Also eats other invertebrates, and some
fruits and nuts. Seeds may be important food in winter.
Ecology:
Uses various foraging substrates, ranging
from dead and live trees to downed wood and ground. May concentrate feeding
in areas of insect outbreaks. Nests in cavity in tree or standing snag. Uses
tree cavities for roosting and winter cover. Female spends entire year on breeding
territory, and is joined in late winter by male. Reported territory size is
0.6-15 ha (varies with habitat quality). In eastern U.S., individuals use forest
areas of 2-4 ha or larger, though much larger area (possibly 12 ha) may be needed
to support viable breeding population. In Iowa study, minimum width of riparian forest necessary to support
breeding population was 40 m. Idaho study in hemlock and grand fir forests found
species occurring in all life forms from burned and shrub areas to mature forests.
3- 6 eggs (usually 4)
for 11-12 days. Young leave nest at 28-30 days, rely on parents for about 2 more
wk, and may return to nest to roost.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABNYF07040 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S3 |
| National Rank: | N5 |
Important
State References:
Peterson, S.R. 1982. A preliminary survey
of forest bird communities in northern Idaho. Northwest Sci. 56:287-298.