Hairy or Downy?

[gidewey52]

Usually I find these pretty cut and dry, but the length of the bill (to me) tends toward hairy, while the rest looks like a downy.

Columbus GA, 15 JAN 2021.

Thanks!

Jerry

[Birding Boy]

That's a Hairy, with that huge bill, and unspotted white portion of the tail. And I think I can see part of a shoulder spur, but the angle is difficult. 

[gidewey52]

Boy - thanks for the additional field mark (unspotted white portion of the tail).  I see it in Sibley's now! Appreciated . . . first of year for me.

Jerry

Waverly Hall, GA

[IKLland]

18 minutes ago, Birding Boy said:

That's a Hairy, with that huge bill, and unspotted white portion of the tail. And I think I can see part of a shoulder spur, but the angle is difficult. 

Agreed

[Jefferson Shank]

Hairy Woodpecker

[Avery]

1 hour ago, gidewey52 said:

Boy - thanks for the additional field mark (unspotted white portion of the tail).  I see it in Sibley's now! Appreciated . . . first of year for me.

Jerry

Waverly Hall, GA

Beware of the Pacific Northwest subspecies of these two species! Both have spotted retrices. 

[Tony Leukering]

2 hours ago, Avery said:

retrices

rectrices