The Downy Woodpecker and the Hairy Woodpecker are two very similar looking species of woodpeckers found throughout much of North America. While quite alike in appearance, there are some subtle but noticeable differences between these two species, one of which is in the characteristics of their tails. Understanding the differences in tail features can be helpful for properly identifying whether a woodpecker in question is a Downy or a Hairy.
In this article, we will take a close look at and compare the tails of Downy and Hairy woodpeckers. We will examine the key physical traits of each tail and highlight the main distinguishing factors. Being able to recognize these differences can aid birdwatchers and ornithologists in telling the two species apart.
Key Physical Traits of the Downy Woodpecker Tail
The Downy Woodpecker has a small, compact tail that is quite short relative to its body size. Some key features of the Downy woodpecker’s tail include:
– Length – The tail measures between 2.2-2.7 inches on average. This is proportionally much shorter than the tail of the Hairy Woodpecker.
– Shape – The tail has a straight edge with squared-off tips. The outer tail feathers do not extend past the inner ones.
– Color – The tail is mostly black with white outer tail feathers. The black central feathers may have some white spotting or barring.
– Use – The short tail provides balance and stability as the Downy hitches up tree trunks. It is not used as a prop or support like the Hairy’s longer tail.
Key Measurements
Measurement | Length |
Downy Woodpecker | 2.2-2.7 in |
The Downy’s diminutive tail length can help distinguish it from the larger Hairy Woodpecker. Even though body size overlaps, the Downy’s tail is always more petite and stubby by comparison.
Key Physical Traits of the Hairy Woodpecker Tail
In contrast to the Downy, the Hairy Woodpecker has a much longer, fuller tail in proportion to its body size. Here are some of its main features:
– Length – The tail is 3.1-3.7 inches long on average, about a full inch longer than the Downy’s.
– Shape – Long and wedge-shaped with a rounded tip. Outer tail feathers extend past the inner ones.
– Color – Mostly black with white outer tail feathers like the Downy. Also shows white spotting/barring.
– Use – The stiffened tail feathers provide extra support as the bird hitches vertically, acting as a prop against the tree.
Key Measurements
Measurement | Length |
Hairy Woodpecker | 3.1-3.7 in |
The Hairy’s exceptionally long tail for a woodpecker of its size makes it simple to discern from the Downy. It may even appear disproportionately large compared to the body.
Comparing Tail Colors and Markings
When it comes to coloration, both the Downy and Hairy woodpecker have tails that are primarily black with white outer tail feathers. The black central feathers often show some white spotting or barring as well. These similar patterns can make simply noting the tail coloration insufficient for telling the two birds apart.
However, looking more closely, there are some subtle differences:
– The Hairy Woodpecker tends to have more extensive white barring on the central black tail feathers. These white markings are sparser on the Downy’s tail feathers.
– The outer white tail feathers on the Hairy are often dirtier and less crisp white than those of the Downy.
– The Downy Woodpecker’s black tail feathers can show a bit of a bluish gloss in good lighting conditions. This sheen is less apparent on the Hairy’s tail.
So in essence, the Downy’s tail often shows neater, crisper patterning than the Hairy’s. But these are very minute differences. Overall, tail coloration is not a foolproof identification marker on its own. The length and shaping of the tails are much more reliable differences.
Tail Proportion Relative to Body Size
One helpful trick for distinguishing these species in the field is to note the apparent tail length in proportion to the bird’s overall body size.
Although their body measurements overlap, the Downy Woodpecker’s stubby tail is very small for the bird’s compact size. The tail does not even come close to reaching the wingtips when folded.
On the Hairy Woodpecker, the long wedge-shaped tail is much more prominent and sizable relative to its larger body dimensions. The tail extends nearly to the end of the folded wings.
So while both birds are small-to-medium sized woodpeckers, the Downy has a very petite tail for its body size, and the Hairy has a very long tail for its larger size. Keeping in mind these proportional differences makes it easier to tell them apart.
Behavioral Uses of the Tails
The tails of Downy and Hairy woodpeckers are adapted for their particular climbing needs as they forage on tree trunks.
The Downy Woodpecker’s very short, stiff tail provides balance as the bird hitches horizontally along a tree. The Downy moves in a more deliberate, methodical way compared to the faster Hairy.
The Hairy Woodpecker uses its longer wedge-shaped tail as a prop against the tree for extra support. This allows the Hairy to move more quickly up, down and sideways on trunks and branches. The tail acts like a third leg, bracing the bird as it hitches.
So the Downy does not rely on its tail for climbing in the same way as the Hairy. Watching how actively each species uses its tail while foraging can provide helpful clues for identification.
Geographic Variation in Tail Length
Across the extensive ranges of these two woodpecker species, there can be some minor geographic variation in average tail length:
– For Downy Woodpeckers, birds in the western U.S. tend to have slightly longer tails on average compared to eastern populations. But western Downys’ tails still fall within the typical range for the species and are very small relative to body size.
– Hairy Woodpeckers follow something of a reverse pattern, with western birds having somewhat shorter tails on average than eastern birds. But again, all fall within the expected tail proportions for Hairies.
So while the differences are statistically significant, there is still considerable overlap, and relative tail size compared to body dimensions remains the key identification feature. Geographic variation does not undermine the usefulness of tail length for distinguishing these species.
Unusual Exceptions
In rare cases, abnormal individual birds may show atypical tail characteristics that go against the norm:
– Extra long tails – Occasionally a Downy Woodpecker may exhibit an unusually long tail, approaching Hairy proportions. This is extremely uncommon though.
– Short-tailed Hairies – An injury or mutation could result in a Hairy with a stunted tail similar in length to a Downy’s. But this would be a rare aberration.
– Hybrids – In extremely rare cases, Downy-Hairy hybrids may occur along their overlapping ranges which could show intermediate tail lengths.
So while odd exceptions are possible, they represent a tiny fraction of encounters. The overwhelming norm is for Downys to have short tails and Hairies to have long tails relative to their body sizes. This consistent general pattern is key for identification.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Downy and Hairy woodpeckers show similarities in plumage coloration and markings, their tail features provide consistent differences that allow the two species to be distinguished:
– The Downy Woodpecker has a diminutive, stubby tail that is very short relative to its compact body size.
– The Hairy Woodpecker has a much longer, fuller tail that approaches the length of its folded wings.
– The Downy uses its short tail just for balance while the Hairy’s longer tail acts as a bracing prop.
– Subtle differences in tail patterning and proportion relative to body size provide helpful identification clues.
So when observing a small-to-medium sized woodpecker in the field, pay close attention to tail length and how the bird uses its tail while climbing. This will allow accurate identification of Downy vs Hairy woodpeckers based on their distinct tail differences. Proper recognition and comparison of these key field marks is essential for telling these two similar-looking species apart.