Bird Identification: CLOSED: Downy or Hairy Woodpecker?, 1 by plantladylin

plantladylin wrote:


I already have a headache so I'm not going to even try to repeat that! LOL.


My Bird book says the outer tail feathers are usually pure white on both the Downy and Hairy but that the Downy shows black dots on its outer tail feathers. I didn't see any outer white tail feathers on either of the parent birds. The book also says the Hairy Woodpecker is not as common, so I was leaning towards the Downy. I just have a heck of a time trying to ID plants and birds from photo's and sure appreciate all the help I get here!

One thing I've noticed with these birds ... the female is more tolerant of me being nearby while the male will chatter and fly about trying to get me to go away! I've been trying to keep my distance as I don't want to distress them too much.