Comparing Body Features
Using body proportions to distinguish similar species. The Downey Woodpecker's beak is only about half as long as its head. Whereas the Hairy Woodpecker's beak is proportionately much longer, almost the same length as its head.
Which one is this
Downey
Hairy
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 02-03-2011 at 10:41 PM.
Jeff- Although part of the apparent size of a woodpecker's head is determined by feathers I suspect that the feather-length in relation to skull size within a genus such as Picoides is about the same. So, between these two candidate species, which differ in overall body size, you have one with a proportionately longer bill than the other. I won't say what this one is just yet!
This is suppose to say Body Features - NOT FEATHERS!!
Sorry - this is an example from an Ornithology book using the Downey's shorter beak as a point of ID.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 02-03-2011 at 10:39 PM.
Here's a nice summary page on Downy vs. Hairy ID from Project FeederWatch.
OK- that's why I was a bit confused Jeff, and hence my post.Originally Posted by Jeff Cashdollar
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