How does one tell the difference? What are the most distinguishing features?
The downy is more sparrow-sized, while I think the hairy is more between the size of a cardinal and blue jay, but in this picture you'd use the bill. The hairy's bill is much larger in proportion to its head.
This was the same size as a blue jay.
Ah, Hairy Woodpecker it is then
The Iron Man suit is a dead giveaway of a male Downey when they're in full mating plumage.
How does one tell the difference? What are the most distinguishing features?
The downy is more sparrow-sized, while I think the hairy is more between the size of a cardinal and blue jay, but in this picture you'd use the bill. The hairy's bill is much larger in proportion to its head.
This was the same size as a blue jay.
Ah, Hairy Woodpecker it is then
The Iron Man suit is a dead giveaway of a male Downey when they're in full mating plumage.