Quiz #4 Answers: This is a female Downy Woodpecker. At left are some wonderful sketches by David Sibley. Typically when trying to decipher between Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, we look at bill length. When you dont have that option, there are other things to look at. This is often the case when birding - there are multiple identifying markings, behaviors, sounds, etc. to help make an ID. Notice the difference in facial patterns and especially from the back. This is not something typically looked for, I dont believe. This is a female, known due to the lack of a red patch on the back of the head that a male would show. Also, another common thing we look at are the outer tail feathers. Those of Downies typically show some spotting or barring (which can be seen in our photo here), while Hairies outer tail feathers are unmarked. Study the differences in voice - it can also be of great help for identification, and it may be the only way you detect them, as is often the case with birds. #heardonly
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 17:04:16 +0000