Hobbies And Interests
Downy Woodpecker
The downy is America's smallest woodpecker, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It is a black and white bird with a small stature and a sharp black bill. It is noted for its black and white wing bars and adult males may have a red stripe on the forehead. This particular woodpecker species nests in the cavities of trees and are permanent residents in Michigan, unlike other migratory bird species.
Red-Headed Woodpecker
This woodpecker can be seen throughout Michigan and the eastern half of the country in general. It nests in dead trees and is characterized by its bright red head. The rest of the body is black and white and medium in size, with a white underside. It is often confused with the red-bellied woodpecker, according to the Outdoor Michigan website.
Pileated Woodpecker
This woodpecker looks like the image many people have of a typical woodpecker, with a bright red crest on its head. It is found year-round in upper and western Michigan and is considered to be the largest woodpecker species in the state, says the Outdoor Michigan site. It feeds on fruits and berries, as well as smaller insects, and pecks holes into trees in search of insects for a meal.
Hairy Woodpecker
The hairy woodpecker looks similar to the downy woodpecker in terms of color, but the hairy is is slightly bigger. It can be found in "old apple orchards or woodland swamps," according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The site also states that the hairy woodpecker's bill is as long as its head, which is what makes a clear distinction between it and the downy. It has a sticky tongue, ideal for finding and feeding on insects.