Identify Woodpeckers by Their Drumming: A Birder's Guide

Spring in North America is heralded by the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers. This article provides a guide to identifying various woodpecker species by analyzing their drumming patterns. It details the differences in drumming speed, duration, and rhythm between species like the Downy, Hairy, and various Sapsucker woodpeckers. By paying attention to these subtle acoustic variations, even novice birders can improve their ability to identify these fascinating birds.