CLOSED: Downy or Hairy?

Willis, TX(Zone 8b)

I'm pretty sure this is either a Downy or Hairy Woodpecker, but I'm having trouble pinning it down.

This is my reasoning... (muddy as it may be :O))

Female because no yellow or red color on head.
Eastern variety.

The lack of spots on the undertail coverts indicates Hairy.

But, everything else, at least to me, indicates Downy. The bill size seems smallish which is hard to tell since I never could get a shot of her when she didn't have it buried in the food. And the black mark to the side of the upper breast is very small.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Patti

Willis, TX(Zone 8b)

Well, two duh moments in a row. Forget the photo on this one too.

Sigh...

Patti

Thumbnail by P_Edens
Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

Looks Hairy to me too - yep, half the beak is hidden in the feeder, making it difficult to work out its size, but the base is fairly stout, suggesting a large bill. Also the white spot at the base of the bill is fairly smooth, not tufted as usual in Downy.

Resin

Willis, TX(Zone 8b)

Thanks Resin. I guess the black mark that should be over to the side of the upper breast is not visible because of the birds position maybe? Or maybe just because sometimes every bird just doesn't fit all of the clues.

Thanks for the info on the tuft. I didn't quite understand what that meant in Sibley, but I see what you are saying.

Patti

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP