Hairy Woodpecker
9×12
Gouache and Graphite
Fabriano Acquarello Paper (Acid Free/Archival)
The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is the most widespread woodpecker species in North America. They are often thought to be a close relative of the Downy Woodpecker because of the similarity of their appearance. The Picoides genus apparently needs some refinements as the Downy and Hairy are not closely related but have similar phenotypes due to convergent evolution. Hairy Woodpeckers, an area-sensitive species, do not flourish in small isolated forest pockets but rather require moderate to large tracts of forest where fragmentation is minimal. Here in the Frontenac Axis region of Ontario, Hairy Woodpeckers are abundant and we have a resident pair in our yard this winter. I spent an hour or so watching this male foraging along the trunks of cedar, basswood, and oak trees in search of insects. This painting was completed on December 13, 2008 and is available for immediate purchase at my Etsy Shop. Click here to view the listing and/or buy this original painting!
