Another thing to remember with juvenile/sub-adult male Downy WPs is the red color that extends onto the top of their heads rather than just the back of the head as in an adult.  That one threw me off years ago the first time I saw it!

Linda Williams

Liberty, MO

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On Dec 3, 2016, at 8:32 AM, Edge Wade <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Size (count the sections of suet feeder) clearly Downy in both.  John is correct: juvenile/sub-adult Downy with the extra barring.

Edge Wade
Columbia, MO
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----- Original Message -----
From: "D. Pierce" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, December 2, 2016 4:42:48 PM
Subject: Downy Woodpecker question

Mobirders: Lately while watching birds coming to my suet feeder, I've
noticed a different color pattern on the backs of two separate female
Downys.
One has a plain white middle of the back and also plain white outer tail
feathers
The other one has the middle of the back marked along with black on the
outer tail feathers.
Here are photos of the two birds in question:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dpwagtail/30558493574/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dpwagtail/31010863920/in/dateposted-public/

Can anyone explain why the difference in markings on the same species?
The reference books all show female Downys with a plain white center on the
back and also black markings on the outer tail feathers.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Dave Pierce
Wildwood, MO.


--
D. Pierce

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