Downy and Hairy IDs

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.

© Photographer: William Wise | iNat Observation: 20801602 - Downy Woodpecker; Walton County, Georgia. February 26, 2019.

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.

Downy Woodpecker
© 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.

For an excellent size comparison, see the observation by @owenbirder13:

© Photographer: Owen Woodhouse | iNat Observation: 102042425 - Hairy (left) and Downy (right) Woodpeckers; Wilmette IL. November 15, 2021.