Size Comparison between Pennsylvania Woodpeckers | Jan. 8, 2012 |
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On January 5, 2012, I photographed a downy, a hairy, and a pileated woodpecker at the larger suet block (which I should measure one of these days). I thought it interesting to note the size comparison of each one, so although I used a different zoom setting for each woodpecker, I reduced the image size so that the suet cage is the same in each picture.
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The downy woodpecker (above) is the smallest of the common Pennsylvania woodpeckers. She has a very petite bill. And it would be the same for whether the male or female downies; they're about the same size.
The hairy woodpecker (below) is nearly as tall as the suet cage, whereas the downy is a little over half the height. Telling a downy from the hairy can be difficult if size is not apparent, but the robust bill of the hairy is noticeable.
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The pileated woodpecker is magnificent, and is much larger than the suet cage.
This one is a female, as she has a black facial stripe, instead of the male's red.
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It's always a treat to see a pileated woodpecker at the feeder, although all woodpeckers are welcome.
Photo note: I used a Pentax K20D, with the SMC-DA 55-300mm lens, on 5 January 2012 for these photos. |