Size Comparison
between Pennsylvania Woodpeckers
Jan. 8, 2012

 



On January 5, 2012, I photographed a downy, a hairy, and a pileated woodpecker at the larger suet block (which I should measure one of these days). I thought it interesting to note the size comparison of each one, so although I used a different zoom setting for each woodpecker, I reduced the image size so that the suet cage is the same in each picture.
 
Downy woodpecker (female) on the large suet
 
  The downy woodpecker (above) is the smallest of the common Pennsylvania woodpeckers. She has a very petite bill. And it would be the same for whether the male or female downies; they're about the same size.

The hairy woodpecker (below) is nearly as tall as the suet cage, whereas the downy is a little over half the height. Telling a downy from the hairy can be difficult if size is not apparent, but the robust bill of the hairy is noticeable.
 

Hairy woodpecker (male) on the large suet
 
  The pileated woodpecker is magnificent, and is much larger than the suet cage.

This one is a female, as she has a black facial stripe, instead of the male's red.
 

Pileated woodpecker (female) on the large suet
 

It's always a treat to see a pileated woodpecker at the feeder, although all woodpeckers are welcome.

Photo note: I used a Pentax K20D, with the SMC-DA 55-300mm lens, on 5 January 2012 for these photos.




My Pennsylvania bird list

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