![]() ![]() Depending on how the bird is perched, the toe orientation can be difficult to determine, but the color can be a good identification clue. Feet: The feet are gray-black with a zygodactyl configuration, with two toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward.The dark back has a prominent white patch in the center that can be easily seen on a foraging bird. ![]() Upperparts: The wings are black with white spotting that forms a series of lines along the length of the wing.Underparts: The breast, abdomen and flanks of the downy woodpecker are a plain, clear white without any spotting or barring.Female downy woodpeckers do not have the red patch. The very back of the head will have a red patch, but that patch does not extend onto the crown. Nape: The red nape is the clue to the bird's gender.Check the bird's profile to get the best estimate of bill length. Bill: Downy woodpeckers have a short, nub-like bill that is less than half the length of their head, and the base may be obscured by fluffy rictal bristles.When a male downy woodpecker comes to visit, look for these clues to be sure of the species: Comparing the size of the bird to the size of a feeder, tree branch, or fence post can be helpful, but knowing its field marks will help confirm the bird's identity. While size is one of the best ways to identify a downy woodpecker, it can be a challenge to judge a bird's size without a proper frame of reference. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. ![]()
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