Downy Day...

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9

Downy Woodpecker on a lichen covered tree in winter in Walton County, Georgia. The downy woodpecker Dryobates pubescens is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America. Walton County, Georgia. February 26, 2019. Both of the identifying features of the Downy (bill length and spotted tail feathers) can be seen in this photograph.

There are several critters posted on iNaturalist that cause some identification conundrums. It is often two species within the same genus that look largely similar until you examine the details. Sometimes it comes down to visible characteristics which differentiate the two species. But other times they look nearly identical and the range is the main clue as to the correct species.

Two birds that fall in this category of confusing critters are in the genus Dryobates: the Hairy Woodpecker and the Downy Woodpecker.  Both have very similar plumage colors and patterns. I’ve seen many posted on iNaturalist that are either incorrectly identified, or have long threads of confirmations and corrections, or are simply left at the genus level.

I must admit my own shortcomings in identifying the two woodpeckers too! In my regular birding areas, the Downy Woodpecker is much more common and I have learned to recognize their call and mannerisms, which helps me out quite a bit. When the slightly larger Hairy Woodpecker shows up from time to time, it really stands out as different to me.
​
The main feature that initially helped me distinguish the Downy Woodpecker was the length of the bill. I had read, or was told, that the shorter bill of the Downy was roughly half the length of the total head, while the longer bill of the Hairy Woodpecker was about ¾ the length of its head. Holding up a ruler to a photograph often helped me out. 

©KOAW, Source: https://www.koaw.org/dmvwoodpeckers

​But after messing up many identifications on iNaturalist (don’t worry, it happens to all of us), I’ve also learned another identifying feature: the Downy has spotting on the outer tail feathers. From watching many ID’s on iNat, this doesn’t always seem definitive as the outer tail feathers can’t always be seen in the photo. 

Walton County, Georgia, US. Public Works Retention Pond, Monroe US-GA (33.7726,-83.6976)
 - Partly sunny, with a high near 66. South wind around 5 mph.
 - Sunrise 7:06 am; Sunset 6:27 pm
 - Daylight Hours: 11 hours, 21 minutes (+2m 3s)
 - Moon: 47% Waning Crescent

Downy Woodpecker on a Georgia winter day. Walton County, Georgia. February 26, 2019.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Walton County, Georgia. February 26, 2019.