BIRDS OF NEW YORK 



Dryobates villosus villosus (Linnaeus) 

 Hairy Woodpecker 



Plate 59 



Picus villosus Linnaeus. Syst. Nat. Ed. 12. 1766. 1:175 



DcKay. Zool. of N. Y. 1844. pt 2, p. 186, fig. 32 



Dryobates villosus villosus A. O. U. Check List. Ed. 3. 1910. p. 185. 

 No. 393 

 dryobates, Gr. cpu?, oak or tree, and ^~i]?, treader; villosus, Lat., hairy, villous 



Description. Colors almost exactly like the Downy woodpecker, 

 but the outer tail feathers plain white, without spots; larger, nearly the size 

 of a Robin. 



Length 9-9.75 inches; extent 15-16; wing 4.5-5; tail 3-3.6; bill 1.2-1.35; 

 weight 3 ounces. 



Distribution. The Hairy woodpecker is a resident and breeds through- 

 out New York State. In the wooded districts it is as common, or even 

 commoner, than the Downy woodpecker, but in the thickly settled country 

 is uncommon through the summer months, and very rarely breeds except 

 in woodlands. In the fall, winter and early spring this species frequently 

 appears in the orchards and shade trees, doing efficient service against 

 borers, beetles, cocoons and other enemies of the trees. At this season, 

 like his smaller relative, he partakes to some extent of wild fruits and nuts. 

 The call of this woodpecker is much louder and heavier than the Downy's, 

 though similar in other respects; but more like the syllables " huip, huip " 

 (Bendire). Its " whinney " or rattling call is written trriii, trriii. The 

 drumming of this species is " shorter and louder with a greater interval 

 between the strokes " (Brewster). Its flight is deeply undulating and 

 strong, but rarely protracted. When he alights on a tree infested with 

 boring larvae, the vigor with which he hammers the trunk and hitches in 

 short hops up the trunk or sideways or downward, examining every cranny 

 and making the chips fly with tireless energy, impresses one with his being, 

 excepting the Pileated woodpecker, our most competent woodchopper of 

 the family. 



The Hairy woodpecker begins to excavate its nesting hole early in 

 the season, both sexes taking part in the operation. The hole is placed 



