Robin wrote < How do could you tell it was a female downy fledgling that was being fed as opposed to a male? Hi Robin: I`m going by what I`ve seen as a volunteer @ Tri-state. By the time downies reach fledgling age, the males are beginning to develop the distinguishing red crest on the head. The fledgling I was observing had no such coloration, thus, female. Enjoy your yard & feathered friends. Leslie Fisher North East, Md