Ladder-Backed Woodpecker or Hairy Woodpecker?
Here's how to tell the difference
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
Dryobates scalaris
General appearance
The ladder-backed woodpecker is a small bird characterized by its distinctive black and white barred pattern across its back resembling a ladder. It has a white belly and flanks, while its wings and tail are black with white spots. The bird's face features a white stripe above and below the eye, with a contrasting black line running from the bill to the neck.
Male vs female
Males can be distinguished by a red crown on their heads, while females lack this red crown, having a black and white head pattern instead. This sexual dimorphism is particularly noticeable during the breeding season.
Juvenile
Juvenile ladder-backed woodpeckers resemble adult females but have a duller and less distinct barring pattern on their back and wings. Their head patterns are similarly muted, lacking the clear contrast seen in adults. They do not possess the red crown seen in male adults.
Size
6.3 - 7.1 in/0.7 - 1.7 oz
There's more to learn about Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
View full detailsHairy Woodpecker
Leuconotopicus villosus
General appearance
The hairy woodpecker is a medium-sized bird, featuring black and white plumage. Its back is predominantly black with white undersides and a white patch running down the center. The woodpecker's head is marked by bold black and white stripes. Hairy woodpeckers have a sharp, pointed beak, ideal for pecking into wood, and robust claws for gripping tree trunks.
Male vs female
Males and females are similar in size and coloration; however, a key difference is the presence of a red patch on the back of the male's head, something females lack. In addition, the male's 'mustache' stripe tends to be black, while it is often gray or absent in females.
Juvenile
Juvenile hairy woodpeckers closely resemble adults, but they exhibit a red crown during their first year. As they mature, the red crown recedes, retained only by males as a small red patch on the back of the head. Apart from this, juveniles share the same black and white coloration as adults.
Size
7.1 - 10.2 in/1.4 - 3.4 oz
There's more to learn about Hairy Woodpecker
View full detailsHow to tell the Ladder-Backed Woodpecker from the Hairy Woodpecker
Visual differences
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is smaller, measuring 6-7 inches (16-18 cm) in length, with a distinctive black and white barred back resembling a ladder. Its wings and tail have white spots, and males have a red crown. In contrast, the Hairy Woodpecker is larger, 7-10 inches (18-26 cm), with a solid black back and white undersides. It features bold black and white head stripes and a longer, sharp beak. Males show a small red patch on the back of their head. Both birds exhibit similar sexual dimorphism, but the size and beak are key differentiators.
Key differences and behavior
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker exhibit distinct behavioral differences. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker, weighing 0.7-1.7 ounces and measuring 6.3-7.1 inches, inhabits dry, southwestern U.S. regions, such as deserts and thorn forests. Meanwhile, the Hairy Woodpecker, larger at 1.4-3.4 ounces and 7.1-10.2 inches, prefers mature forests and adaptable environments, including urban areas. While both species primarily feed on insects, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker also consumes cactus fruit and frequents feeders for suet and peanut butter, contrasting with the Hairy Woodpecker's preference for seeds and nuts. Breeding behaviors also differ; Ladder-backed Woodpeckers use diverse sites like cacti and utility poles, displaying elaborate courtship rituals. In contrast, Hairy Woodpeckers perform drumming and mutual calls, nesting in dead trees and logs.
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