Items20The creator’s order
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Downy WoodpeckerAt a feeder, look at the bill before judging size. The Downy’s bill is short and stubby against its head. If the bird turns, check the white outer tail feathers for dark bars. A red patch on the back of a male’s head still leaves you with either Downy or Hairy.0 - 2
Hairy WoodpeckerLook for a chisel-shaped bill nearly as long as the head. On a sideways view the bill gives the Hairy away even when there’s no Downy nearby for comparison. The outer tail feathers are usually clean white.0 - 3
Red-bellied WoodpeckerThe belly is often the least useful place to look. A pale face and fine black-and-white bars across the back are easier to see. A male’s red extends across the crown and nape, while a female shows red at the nape.0 - 4
Red-headed WoodpeckerAn adult’s whole head and throat are red, set off against large blocks of black and white. A young bird has a brown head and dark marks on the white wing panels. If the head color throws you, start with the size and shape of the wing patch.0 - 5
Pileated WoodpeckerLook for a tall red crest, black body, and white stripe down the neck. In flight, the white underwings flash against that dark body. Both sexes have the crest. A red mustache stripe points to a male.0 - 6
Northern FlickerA brown woodpecker with a black chest patch and spotted belly is a good candidate. Yellow flashes under the wings are common in eastern birds, while many western birds flash salmon-red. Where those forms meet, the colors can mix, so start with the breast pattern.0 - 7
Yellow-bellied SapsuckerOn a folded wing, find the bold vertical white stripe. That is easier to see than the faint yellow wash underneath. On adults, the male has a red throat and the female has a white one. A brownish youngster can make this a much less colorful identification.0 - 8
Red-naped SapsuckerWhen a western sapsucker looks like a Yellow-bellied, check the back of its neck. A Red-naped Sapsucker usually shows a red patch there. A female has some red on her throat, while the female Yellow-bellied’s throat is white. One awkward view can hide the nape, so wait for the bird to turn.0 - 9
Red-breasted SapsuckerThe red extends over the head and onto the chest, giving the adult a bigger block of color than a Red-naped Sapsucker. Look for the sapsucker’s long white patch on the folded wing. That is handy if the red head makes you think of a Red-headed Woodpecker first.0 - 10
Williamson's SapsuckerTwo birds can look like different species until you learn this pair. A male is mostly black with a conspicuous white wing patch and a yellow belly. A female has a brown head and a barred back. Her dark chest helps if you first thought of a Gila Woodpecker.0