They almost look alike

Downy woodpecker juvenile and adult (photo by Marcy Cunkelman)
Downy woodpecker males — juvenile and adult (photo by Marcy Cunkelman)

Here’s a great photo for learning the difference between downy woodpecker babies and their parents.

Last week Marcy Cunkelman took this photo of a downy woodpecker father feeding his youngster in her backyard.

Adult male downy woodpeckers have a red spot on the back of their heads.  Adult females have no red at all.  So that’s dad on the right.

Immature male downy woodpeckers have a muted red spot on their foreheads.  That means Baby is on the left.

I learn something new every day.  Thanks, Marcy.

 

(photo by Marcy Cunkelman)

2 thoughts on “They almost look alike

  1. Actually, only the male juveniles have the red on their foreheads. Female young look more or less like smaller versions of their mothers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *