Hairy Woodpecker?

[Robert Nelson]

Taken Nov. 12, 2019 at Lake Norfork, North Central Arkansas. Mixed hardwoods and cedars. Is that a long bill, or just the angle of the shot?

https://flic.kr/p/2hKcoQA

 

[Creeker]

Well, there's  black spotting on the white sides of the tail, so that makes a bill length call irrelevant. ?

[akandula]

I like Hairy here. From this shot, I can only see the underside of the tail, so I’m wondering where you’re seeing any spotting. The bill size and large “spur” all point to a Hairy in my opinion.

[Charlie Spencer]

I noticed what looked like tail spotting, but I couldn't tell if it was actually on the outside feather or if it was background light around it.

[RobinHood]

 I think I can only see the top of the tail (with some highlight spots) but not enough of the underside of the tail to see where the spotting would be, but tough to differentiate between tail and underside with the lighting.

Bill and inconspicuous tuft also look good for Hairy.

However what got my attention was:

1 hour ago, akandula said:

and large “spur”

I have not heard this one before and sure enough Sibley does show a significantly larger spur, especially the female?, for the Hairy than the Downy.

However, in this image I am struggling to tell what is spur, claw or tree bark but I'm sure that now and again with a good view of the feet it is probably helpful.

[HamRHead]

39 minutes ago, RobinHood said:

 I think I can only see the top of the tail (with some highlight spots) but not enough of the underside of the tail to see where the spotting would be, but tough to differentiate between tail and underside with the lighting.

Bill and inconspicuous tuft also look good for Hairy.

However what got my attention was:

I have not heard this one before and sure enough Sibley does show a significantly larger spur, especially the female?, for the Hairy than the Downy.

However, in this image I am struggling to tell what is spur, claw or tree bark but I'm sure that now and again with a good view of the feet it is probably helpful.

I may be learning something...I thought the "spur" was the wisp of dark feathers coming down the side of the chest from the shoulder. Sort of like wear suspenders would ride if a bird wore suspenders.

[Kevin]

34 minutes ago, HamRHead said:

I may be learning something...I thought the "spur" was the wisp of dark feathers coming down the side of the chest from the shoulder. Sort of like wear suspenders would ride if a bird wore suspenders.

Thanks, I was baffled.

[The Bird Nuts]

2 hours ago, HamRHead said:

I may be learning something...I thought the "spur" was the wisp of dark feathers coming down the side of the chest from the shoulder. Sort of like wear suspenders would ride if a bird wore suspenders.

Yes, you are correct.  It is usually called the shoulder spur.

[Charlie Spencer]

2 hours ago, HamRHead said:

I may be learning something...I thought the "spur" was the wisp of dark feathers coming down the side of the chest from the shoulder. Sort of like wear suspenders would ride if a bird wore suspenders.

Odd, I thought it was the exact opposite - the WHITE feathers coming from the chest up onto the shoulder.

[RobinHood]

I suspect that "shoulder spur" as in Ring-necked Duck is a generic descriptive term whereas spur, as in defunct toe, is a body part (probably derived from knight in armour footwear). I think it was also used in cockfighting descriptions.

I could also be completely wrong but still a good tip for the Hairy.

[lonesome55dove]

I've added a photo of each woodpecker for comparison.  I hope this helps with the  shoulder spur debate.

The ''black, comma shaped'' mark is the ''shoulder spur'' which is very visible on this Hairy Woodpecker. The Downy does not usually have this mark,  however occasionally one will have it but it will be very faint. ?

I would call the bird in the OP's post a Hairy. ?

 

 

 

Edited November 15, 2019 by lonesome55dove

[Kerri]

I learned something today. Shoulder Spur :) Thanks everyone. When I heard spur I automatically thought of my Roosters spur and assumed it was that area of the foot too on the woodpecker. The side by side photo comparisons are very helpful @lonesome55dove Thank you!

[Charlie Spencer]

Okay, what about the San Antonio Spurs?  

[HamRHead]

5 minutes ago, Charlie Spencer said:

Okay, what about the San Antonio Spurs?  

Would that be the spurious Spurs? Didn't they lose in the playoffs to the Houston Saddle Burrs?

[lonesome55dove]

5 hours ago, Kerri said:

I learned something today. Shoulder Spur ? Thanks everyone. When I heard spur I automatically thought of my Roosters spur and assumed it was that area of the foot too on the woodpecker. The side by side photo comparisons are very helpful @lonesome55dove Thank you!

You are welcome! ?

[Robert Nelson]

Thank you all!! I knew it was a tough call between Downy and Hairy,, but I've picked up some really good ID tips today!