12/6/2023 0 Comments Downy woodpecker characteristics![]() ![]() Young hairy woodpeckers will sometimes have a yellow patch. ![]() As the males of both of these species have red coloring on the backs of their heads, fledglings will have red on the top of their heads. While observing these birds, it is also important to take note of fledglings, in order to minimize further confusion. The downy’s mark is often less obvious, but can sometimes be a useful distinguishing mark.Ī male hairy woodpecker on the left and a male downy woodpecker on the right. See also July in Maine: What Types of Birds Can I Expect to See?Īnother color pattern aiding in identification pertains to the “comma mark.” The hairy woodpecker has a distinct, well-developed “comma-shaped” black mark that extends from the shoulder onto the breast. To further our identification skills, let us explore color patterns. Now that we can gauge overall size and bill size, you are closer to telling the difference between the two species. The male and female of each species are roughly the same sizes, so if you are looking at two types of woodpeckers of different sizes, the larger is most likely to be a hairy and the smaller is a downy woodpecker. While observing the two types of woodpeckers, make sure to take notice of these bill characteristics and this will help in your identifying which type of woodpecker you are looking at. The bill of the downy woodpecker is a short and small needle-like beak and dainty in comparison, about 1/3 the length of the bird’s head. The hairy woodpecker has a long and strong chisel-like beak that is almost the same size as its head. ![]() For further investigation, we will look at bill size. It can still be difficult to distinguish between the two species unless they are side by side. In comparison, the downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens, is a small woodpecker, about the size of a house sparrow (about 6.5″ long). These woodpeckers are about 1/3 longer than the downy woodpecker and weigh almost three times as much. The hairy woodpecker Leuconotopicus villosus is a medium-sized bird and about the same size as a robin (9.25″ long). Would you like to follow GlaszArt on social media? ![]()
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