Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is a striking mid-sized bird known for its distinctive black and white plumage and the males' characteristic red patch on the back of their heads. Commonly found in the forests around Montreal, this species is an adept forager, often seen scaling tree trunks in search of insects.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Hairy Woodpecker |
| 🇫🇷 | Pic chevelu |
| 🇩🇪 | Haarspecht |
| 🇲🇽 | Pico velloso |
Taxonomy
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
Characteristics
| Length | 18-26cm |
| Weight | 40-95g |
| Wingspan | 33-43cm |
| Clutch Size | 3-6 eggs |
| Incubation | 14 days |
| Fledging | 28-30 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
🎧 Apple Podcast: About this species' biology, behavior and ecological importance.
Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings
The Hairy Woodpecker can be observed year-round in the forests around Montreal. The best season to spot them is winter, as the lack of foliage makes them more visible. Simply sit quietly and watch; eventually, a Hairy Woodpecker will likely appear, climbing tree trunks in search of insects.
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belvédère Outremont | x | - | - | - |
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | x |
| Parc Bernard-Landry | - | - | x | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | x |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | x |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.
Identification and Similar Species
A species very similar to the Hairy Woodpecker shares the same habitat and behavior. To distinguish the Hairy Woodpecker, observe the beak length, which significantly exceeds one-third of the head's width when viewed from the side.
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-02