![]() However, the distinct black-and-white checkered pattern on the upperparts, bold head stripes, and broad white stripe down the back are shared by both male and female Downy Woodpeckers. The red patch is often difficult to see in the field and may require a closer look or the use of binoculars. Only male Downy Woodpeckers have a small red patch on the back of their heads. Not all Downy Woodpeckers have a red spot. By paying attention to their size, markings, and calls, as well as their habitat and behavior, you can become an expert at identifying these fascinating birds. While the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences that can help you distinguish between these two species. However, the Hairy Woodpecker is typically found in larger forests and prefers larger trees, while the Downy Woodpecker is often found in smaller woodlots and parks and can be seen on smaller trees and shrubs. In terms of habitat and behavior, both the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are found in similar wooded areas and feed on insects and tree sap. The Hairy Woodpecker also has a distinctive “whinny” call that is not heard in the Downy Woodpecker. Both species have a similar “peek” call, but the Hairy Woodpecker's call is slightly lower pitched and more emphatic. The black and white markings on the Downy are more delicate and less bold than those of the Hairy Woodpecker, with a smaller white patch on the back.Īnother way to distinguish between these two species is by their calls. The Downy Woodpecker, on the other hand, has a shorter, stubbier bill and a shorter tail. The black and white markings on the Hairy Woodpecker are also bolder and more distinct, with a larger white patch on the back. Both species have black and white checkered patterns, but the Hairy Woodpecker has a larger bill and a longer, more pointed tail. However, size alone is not a reliable way to tell these two species apart, as there can be overlap in their sizes.Ī more reliable way to distinguish between the two species is by their markings. ![]() Hairy Woodpeckers are larger than Downy Woodpeckers, with a length of 9-10 inches compared to the Downy's 6-7 inches. One of the most noticeable differences between the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers is their size. These two species look similar in many ways, but there are some key differences that can help you identify them. Less defined or non existent comma markingĪlthough these birds have strikingly similar color patterns and behaviors, with the right knowledge they can be very easy to tell apart.When it coms to distinguishing between the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, it can be difficult to tell them apart. Note the small bill, lack of extended “comma” mark and barring on the outer tail feathers of this Downy Woodpecker While at a distance these two things can be hard to spot, closer up or with optics, both field markings can be used to differentiate these two woodpeckers. The second marking to look for is the black barring on the white other tail feathers of the Downy Woodpecker that the Hairy Woodpecker lacks. This marking is seen most prominently on the Hairy Woodpecker and is often not visible at all on the Downy. The first is a comma mark that goes from the shoulder to the breast. There are two field markings that can be used to separate the Hairy Woodpecker from the Downy Woodpecker. Note the long bill and clean outer tail feathers of this Hairy Woodpecker Bill size comparison is much easier than overall size comparison when there are no direct comparisons available in the field. The Downy Woodpecker has a shorter more triangular bill about one third to one half the size of the length of the bird’s head. The Hairy Woodpecker has a longer bill that is about equal in size to the length of the head. The second and possibly best way to tell the Hairy Woodpecker from the Downy Woodpecker is by looking at the bill. While size isn’t always the most reliable tool when identifying a species, the difference between these two birds is fairly substantial. This means that the Hairy Woodpecker is approximately one third bigger than a Downy Woodpecker and is about the size of a Red-bellied Woodpecker in size. The Downy Woodpecker measures in at 14-18cm long on average and a wingspan of 25-30cm. The Hairy Woodpecker is larger than the downy with an average length of 18-26cm and a wingspan of 33-41cm. The first thing that helps to differentiate these species is size. At first glance it may seem impossible to tell these two birds apart, but upon closer inspection there are some tell tale differences that birders can use to make a positive identification. Both are black and white with almost identical patterns, and both can be found in the same habitat. Hopping up and down trees across North America are two very similar woodpecker species: the Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |