![]() Females will show no red but still have the flecked or striped crown. Crown: The crown of a male juvenile downy woodpecker has a red wash with gray or black flecks, but it will lose that color as it matures and the color comes out on the nape.To more confidently identify a juvenile downy woodpecker, look for these field marks in addition to its tiny size: Juvenile birds often resemble adults but with less clear markings and more camouflaged coloration. The small black spots on the outer tail feathers may or may not be visible if the tail is closed, but if it is flared they become easier to see. Tail: The bird's tail is held stiff in flight, and the underside of the tail is plain white.Underparts: The white, unmarked underparts of the bird are clear and easily visible in flight.If the bird has a much more prominent, noticeable bill, it is unlikely to be a downy woodpecker. Bill: The downy woodpecker's bill is so small that it may appear as little more than a bump or nub on a flying bird, giving the head a slightly pointed look at the front.Head: Even in flight, the black and white streaks on a downy woodpecker's head are visible, though the nape may not be easily seen and so the gender may be harder to determine.Wingpit: The wingpit is plain white and appears relatively small in comparison to the overall size of the bird's wing.Wings: The broad wings are somewhat rounded and show a heavy pattern of black and white spotting even on the underside, with white spots arranged in regular rows across the primary and secondary feathers.When a woodpecker flies by, look for these markings to tell if it is a downy woodpecker: It is difficult to identify birds in flight, but downy woodpeckers offer a range of clues that can help pinpoint their identities on the wing. Those spots can be difficult to see except at close range or if the tail is slightly flared. Tail: The stiff tail has a slightly forked tip and shows small black spots on the outer tail feathers.This zygodactyl foot allows them to easily climb and grasp trees and other structures. Feet: The feet have two forward-facing toes and one backward-facing toe.The wings may appear spotted and the white spots could give the impression of a series of wing bars, though the spots continue to the wingtip. Upperparts: The upperparts are mottled black and white, with a wide white patch in the center of the back.Underparts: The underparts are plain, unmarked white without barring, streaks, or color washes of any kind.Males have a red patch at the back of the head, but females are only black and white. ![]()
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