fuzzy downy

kendra2003

16 years ago

I get lots of Downy Woodpeckers around here, but this one always stands out. She seems to have a much fuzzier face than the others.

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Comments (13)

rachel_frome_ky
16 years ago
Looks like you have a Hairy Woodpecker there!
kendra2003
Original Author
16 years ago
Rachel, I get Hairy's here too, and they are much larger. But I also wondered why this particular woodpecker's beak also appears longer than the standard Downy's. You can tell from the scale of the suet cage that this is a little bird. Do you think it is a very small Hairy? She is exactly the size of the other Downy's. It makes me wonder if it could be a hybrid? And yet the size difference is so great I don't know how that could happen. I guess I'm confused. She does stand out as being odd looking.
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jiggreen
16 years ago
A hairy woodpecker wouldn't have the black spot on the outer tail feather, would it? I am curious about whether hairies and downeys can hybridize, so I would love for someone to chime in about that.

Poor little woodpecker is all grizzly faced (like my Aunt Molly..lol!)
organic_bassetlvr
16 years ago
She sure is cute! Have you been able to hear her? Sometimes that is the only way I can tell. The beak sure looks like a hairy but the size is strange. Let us know if you have any more info.
Susan
birding_nut
16 years ago
It appears to be a Downy in shape and size (and plumage, spotted tail feathers), but the beak appears to have a deformity, hence the larger shape and abundant fuzzy feathers around the nares. Perhaps a birth defect.

BN
kendra2003
Original Author
16 years ago
Good point about have I been able to hear her. Yes, she also makes the same sound as the Downies. Maybe birding_nut is onto something. It could certainly be a deformity. Though it does not stop her from eating, so that is good. I guess I'll have to call her Aunt Molly!
lizbeth_pa
16 years ago
i have some downeys here too at my suet feeders. I am thinking also hairys. Could your fuzzy wp be a ladder backed wp? I am not that familiar w/ how to tell the diff too well between those fellows! Btw, I am new here and am from scPA.
kendra2003
Original Author
16 years ago
I managed to get a picture of her face. I wish it were clearer, but if you look carefully you can see the end of her bill is touching, but the middle does not. Also she appears to have a bald lump on her cheek. I'm pretty sure it is some type of deformity at this point.
birding_nut
16 years ago
Hmmm...that baldish looking spot looks suspiciously like Avian Pox, which causes leasions around the bill and eyes, as well as legs and feet, of birds. That lesion could perhaps be forcing the bill apart at the base causing it to spread out.

BN
chickadeemelrose
16 years ago
The woodpecker question is fascinating. Her upper portion of her bill seems to have been injured. I am wondering if she could have had an accident and resulting jaw injury and infection. What if she had hit the right side of her head on something?

Also, I could see a lot from this closeup, I thought it was good. Can I ask what kind of camera you use?
litholad
16 years ago
It's a female Downy with a serious illness or injury - the feathers are fluffed because of the swelling beneath, and the bill is definitely deformed now. Not a good sign.
kendra2003
Original Author
16 years ago
Wow Chickadeemelrose, you actually liked my picture? I think I'm a terrible photographer, but then I get to see all the great shots from the professionals on this forum. The camera I use is a Panasonic Luminix DMC-FZ20. I set it to let the camera do all the work. I set everything to auto because whenever I've attempted to try my own settings, the pictures come out terrible.
chickadeemelrose
16 years ago
Well nevertheless you've inspired me, because I just started photographing our birds and out of about 100 this week I got 4 "okay" ones. You obviously have been at it for awhile.

I do hope your downy buddy does alright.
Best regards

fuzzy downy

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