Episode 75: Let you Hair(y) Down(y): All about the Hairy and Downy Woodpecker

About this episode

This episode explores the similarities and differences between the Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, including their feeding, breeding, and evolutionary history.

In this two for one episode, learn about the very similar looking Downy and Hairy Woodpecker! The smallest woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker can be difficult to tell apart from its larger cousin the Hairy Woodpecker but Dr. John will teach you tips and tricks to expertly differentiate them on your next birding adventure. Plus, learn all about their feeding and breeding. And finally, end the show with insight into their evolutionary history and learn why they look so much alike. Plus a bird watch from Cass! . Intro music by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers . Bird sounds are from xeno-canto.org . Opening downy whinny by Bobby Wilcox . Downy call 1 by Paul Marvin . Hairy call 1 by Scott Olmstead . Downy Whinny 1 by Paul Marvin . Downy Call 2 by Frank Lambert . Hairy Call 2 by Scott Olmstead . Downy Rattle by Paul Marvin . Hairy Rattle by Scott Crabtree . Downy Drumming 1 by Joseph Morlan . Hairy Drumming by Richard E. Webster . Fast Downy Drumming by Paul Driver . Downy Drum 2 by Paul Driver . Hairy Drum 2 by Richard E. Webster . Feeding Pecks by Samuel Jones Hairy + Downy

People in this episode

Host: John

Topics covered

• Woodpeckers
• Birding
• Evolution

Keywords

• Downy Woodpecker
• Hairy Woodpecker
• birding tips
• feeding
• breeding
• evolution

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Feeding Pecks

Places: North America

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