Would you be able to tell the difference?

[HD]

Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker

Downy and Hairy woodpeckers are widely distributed across North America. Both commonly visit feeder areas where they feed on suet and sometimes seeds. These woodpeckers are the only common woodpeckers that show a vertical white stripe on the back. Males of both species have a red patch on the back of the head. Juveniles may have a wash of red, orange, or (rarely) yellow on the crown.

Overall size and bill size and shape are the most useful characters for distinguishing the two species in the field. There are subtle plumage features that can also be useful when a good closeup view is possible.




Identification Tips

    Check the heaviness and length of the bill compared to the head. If the bill looks small, much smaller than the width of the head, the bird is a Downy.

    Try to see if a some black extends from the neck/shoulder into the upper breast of the bird. This can be difficult to see in the field but can help confirm an identification if you can see it. The photos above show the difference in this marking between the two species.

    Look for black on the outer tail feathers. If you can see the under side of the outer tail feathers, and they are completely white, then you can be certain that you have a Hairy Woodpecker. This field mark can be tricky, though. Sometimes black barring shows on the outer side of these feathers, but not always, and it can be difficult to see the underside of the feathers. Furthermore, although Downys never have completely white outer tail feathers underneath, some Hairy Woodpeckers have the barring, so seeing bars does not necessarily mean you have a Downy.

    Look at the overall size of the bird. Size is a reliable field mark, but it can be difficult to judge in the field. Some participants have measured their feeders to help them judge size. One participant even marked different lengths on his peanut feeder.

[mike89]

very interesting....

[Rebel SS]

Huh! Interesting! Looks to me like the only way to tell is the hairy has a pointier pecker!