Downy & Hairy

I don’t know for certain how much wood a Woodpecker pecks, but I am learning to differentiate the specific species.
I haven’t yet documented a Hairy Woodpecker on Fishers Island.

Assuming BOTH birds indeed have feathers … the Downy version of the bird is most familiar to me.

At first glance The Downy pecks with a tinier bill (in proportion to its head) than its Hairy relative.

Take binoculars and check out for black or gray spots on outer tail feathers-this is the Downy too.

Listen closely for a stronger, rattling voice from the Hairy Woodpecker-perhaps in the mature woods mid Island.