Downy vs Hairy

[IKLland]

Seen today, Reno NV. 
thanks.

High elevation forest all in pine trees

 

Bird one: 

bird two: 

[Bird-Boys]

1. Hairy?

2, 3. Downy?

[IKLland]

12 minutes ago, Bird-Boys said:

1. Hairy?

2, 3. Downy?

Thanks. I’ll wait for at least one more reply to confirm. @Connor Cochrane

[Peromyscus]

26 minutes ago, Bird-Boys said:

1. Hairy?

2, 3. Downy?

I agree

[Aidan B]

41 minutes ago, Bird-Boys said:

1. Hairy?

2, 3. Downy?

I agree as well

[IKLland]

19 minutes ago, Aidan B said:

I agree as well

Thanks all, hairy is a lifer! Here’s one last bird

 

Bird 3.

[The Bird Nuts]

All three are Downies in my opinion.  The first bird just has a small, compact look to it and its beak is not even close to as long as its head.

Edited August 1, 2021 by The Bird Nuts

[IKLland]

Just now, The Bird Nuts said:

Both Downy in my opinion.  The first bird just has a small, compact look to it and its beak is not even close to as long as its head.

Thanks. 

[IKLland]

Any other thoughts? @DLecy

[Quiscalus quiscula]

Bird one is definitely hairy, not sure about the rest. Can't believe you haven't seen hairy before! It's about half half downy to hairy in my yard.

[Connor Cochrane]

Bird 2 and 3 are definitely Downy, and I'm leaning Downy as well for the first one. I'd like to see the uploaded photos, it's a little hard to tell details on these BOC pics.

[RobinHood]

I agree with Downy for all three birds (four photos).

I think I can I see spotting under the tail in photo 1, but regardless still looks good for Downy.

[neilpa]

Head pattern on bird 1 has me leaning Downy as well

https://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/02/a-new-clue-for-identifying-downy-and-hairy-woodpeckers/

[lonestranger]

For what it's worth, I think they're all Downy Woodpeckers. Bird #1 just isn't enough bird to call it a Hairy. *tosses in two cents*

[Aidan B]

I'm changing my vote on the first bird to Downy as well, I didn't give it that close of a look. 

[Peromyscus]

8 minutes ago, Aidan B said:

I'm changing my vote on the first bird to Downy as well, I didn't give it that close of a look. 

I'm moving into the Downy camp as well.

[DLecy]

My first glance impression for bird #1 was DOWO. But I’m not sure I would conclusively call it based on the photo. Did you hear it call? Once you learn their vocalizations, HAWO and DOWO can be told apart quite readily. They also tend to differ in their habitat preferences and tolerance of human activity.

[Avery]

All are downy for me. Pretty sure you can see a spot on one of the tail feathers in the first pic

[Quiscalus quiscula]

Bird one looks remarkably long-billed for a downy, especially for a female bird. However, it's true that you can see a spot on the tail feathers and tuft-y nasal bristles which would point to downy. I'm confused. I would say it just has an abnormally long, possibly overgrown bill.

[Connor Cochrane]

Pacific Hairy woodpeckers can have spots on their tail feathers. 

[Quiscalus quiscula]

2 minutes ago, Connor Cochrane said:

Pacific Hairy woodpeckers can have spots on their tail feathers. 

Forgot about that, thanks. Overall a confusing bird, but my impression is still hairy, but those fluffy nasal bristles...

[Seanbirds]

I like Downy for all.

[The Bird Nuts]

4 hours ago, Quiscalus quiscula said:

Bird one looks remarkably long-billed for a downy, especially for a female bird.

Quite sure it is missing the nasal bristles on the side that we can see.  The bill is not that long when you compare it to the length of the head.

[Quiscalus quiscula]

1 minute ago, The Bird Nuts said:

Quite sure it is missing the nasal bristles on the side that we can see.  The bill is not that long when you compare it to the length of the head.

But it's still quite long for a downy, especially since this is a female bird.

[lonesome55dove]

@IKLlandIs there any chance you could post the photos by uploading them?  I think the details of each photo would be so much better...a photo of a photo is not the best for clarity. Thanks! ?