I have a hard time knowing the difference between a hairy and a downy woodpecker. One of my fieldguides says that the differences are so subtle that it's impossible to tell from a distance. Is there a trait I'm missing to tell them apart?
Downeys are smaller. They are about the size of a sparrow. The Hairy is robin-sized. Also, it's easier to approach a Downy. Hairy woodpeckers are easily spooked in my experience.
I have a hard time knowing the difference between a hairy and a downy woodpecker.
ReplyDeleteOne of my fieldguides says that the differences are so subtle that it's impossible to tell from a distance.
Is there a trait I'm missing to tell them apart?
Downeys are smaller. They are about the size of a sparrow. The Hairy is robin-sized. Also, it's easier to approach a Downy. Hairy woodpeckers are easily spooked in my experience.
ReplyDeleteNice shot, Dave. One of my favorite woodpeckers.