Hairy Woodpeckers are the Downy's larger look-alike with identical feeder preferences — suet, peanuts, sunflower chips, and nut blends are all favourites. They have a noticeably bigger bill and more dominant feeding posture, often displacing Downys when both visit the same suet cage. They're year-round residents and reliable daily visitors once they locate your feeders.

Same setup as Downy Woodpeckers: suet cages mounted on or near tree trunks are the primary draw. Their larger size means they benefit from bigger suet cage models with extended tail-prop platforms. Hang peanut feeders and tube feeders with sunflower chips nearby to create a complete woodpecker feeding station. Mature trees with rough bark in your yard are a major asset.

Same as Downy Woodpeckers but scaled up — Hairy Woodpeckers need larger dead trees and more extensive wooded habitat. They excavate bigger cavities and prefer larger-diameter snags. Properties with mature forest or at least several large dead or dying trees are most attractive. They forage over larger territories than Downys, so connecting your yard to adjacent woodland via tree cover corridors is beneficial. A nest box with a 4cm (1½-inch) entrance hole can substitute for natural cavities.

Start with the right food, keep feeding consistent, and create a space birds feel safe returning to again and again.

Small changes in food, feeder choice, and consistency can make a big difference.