03-23-2003, 06:52 PM
[font "arial, helvetica, sans-serif"][#003366]Winter Wildlife: Woodpeckers[/#003366][/font]
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![[Image: downy_woodpecker_56101_7.jpg]](http://mi.michigan.gov/images/downy_woodpecker_56101_7.jpg)
Get out those binoculars and field guides and plan an hour or a day to explore Michigan's fourth season. Winter wildlife viewing offers uncrowded parks and forested trails. This season offers you views into a woodland unbroken by foliage and filled with the calls and sightings some of Michigan's noisiest residents, the woodpeckers. Michigan is home to eight species of woodpeckers. Two of the most common are the downy and hairy woodpeckers.
Hardwood and mixed hardwood and coniferous forests are home to the easily spotted little Downy woodpecker; North America's smallest woodpecker. It's field markings are distinct, with a small body, white back, and black-and-white stripped wing bars. The sharply pointed black bill, is used in territorial posturing. Listen for its fast series of "pick" calls.
Its larger look-a-like is the Hairy woodpecker, another white-and-black bird. To distinguish the two look at the bird's bill. If the bill is as long as the head, you are looking at a hairy woodpecker. A bill shorter than the length of the head belongs to the "downy." "Hairies" are found in woodland swamps, old apple orchards, and mixed coniferous/hardwood stands. Snags are a favorite roosting place.
Both birds share common characteristics: males have a red-feathered head cap and retractable sticky
s which are ideal for retrieving insects from holes. They can also be easily attracted within viewing distance from your home. Suet mixed with bird seed provides a good energy rich food source that attracts these two Michigan residents. Don't be surprised to see a few other species of woodpeckers at the same feeding station. For more information about Michigan's Wildlife, visit the [url "http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370---,00.html"][#0000ff]Michigan Department of Natural Resources web site[/#0000ff][/url].[/black][/font]
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Get out those binoculars and field guides and plan an hour or a day to explore Michigan's fourth season. Winter wildlife viewing offers uncrowded parks and forested trails. This season offers you views into a woodland unbroken by foliage and filled with the calls and sightings some of Michigan's noisiest residents, the woodpeckers. Michigan is home to eight species of woodpeckers. Two of the most common are the downy and hairy woodpeckers. Hardwood and mixed hardwood and coniferous forests are home to the easily spotted little Downy woodpecker; North America's smallest woodpecker. It's field markings are distinct, with a small body, white back, and black-and-white stripped wing bars. The sharply pointed black bill, is used in territorial posturing. Listen for its fast series of "pick" calls.
Its larger look-a-like is the Hairy woodpecker, another white-and-black bird. To distinguish the two look at the bird's bill. If the bill is as long as the head, you are looking at a hairy woodpecker. A bill shorter than the length of the head belongs to the "downy." "Hairies" are found in woodland swamps, old apple orchards, and mixed coniferous/hardwood stands. Snags are a favorite roosting place.
Both birds share common characteristics: males have a red-feathered head cap and retractable sticky
s which are ideal for retrieving insects from holes. They can also be easily attracted within viewing distance from your home. Suet mixed with bird seed provides a good energy rich food source that attracts these two Michigan residents. Don't be surprised to see a few other species of woodpeckers at the same feeding station. For more information about Michigan's Wildlife, visit the [url "http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370---,00.html"][#0000ff]Michigan Department of Natural Resources web site[/#0000ff][/url].[/black][/font][signature]