Physical Traits: Its colors are black and white -- almost a zebra-like striped appearance. The male has a red spot on the back of his head. They look like Downy Woodpeckers, except Hairies are larger in body and bill. The western birds have dark breasts and less wing spots.

Habitat: Hairies search bark for insects, and they live in forests as well as in open woodlands. They live and raise their young in a hole in dead wood. They will come to a feeder for suet, nuts, and fruit.

Recommended Feeder: Lyric Woodpecker Feeder

Feeder Tips: Selectively limit your feeding site for optimal pleasure by offering the food in a Lyric Woodpecker Feeder. This cedar feeder is uniquely designed so that only the woodpeckers' and nuthatches' long bills and tongues can get the bits of food. We suggest smearing some suet or peanut butter on the cedar and in the holes to attract the bird and help it identify the food source. Hanging the feeder from a tree branch or close to a tree trunk is optimal. Conversely, if you'd like to offer the mix to all birds, a hopper feeder works nicely. We also recommend wire mesh tubes, but because most of the ingredients are shelled, protect them from direct exposure to the elements. Squirrel baffles are always recommended.

States and Regions Found: You can find Hairies from Alaska to Panama and throughout the United States.