Re[2]: Backyard Birds, They`re Everywhere!!
Kathy Klimkiewicz (Kathy_Klimkiewicz@usgs.gov)
Fri, 12 Jun 1998 16:02:11 -0600
Actually both male and female Downy Woodpeckers in juvenal plumage can
have red on the top of the head. If there is no red at all in juvenal
plumage, it would indeed be a female. If red is restricted to the nape
(back of head/neck), it would be male.
Cheers,
Kathy Klimkiewicz
Laurel MD
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Subject: Re: Backyard Birds, They`re Everywhere!!
Author: mdosprey@ARI.Net at NBS-Internet-Gateway
Date: 6/10/98 8:32 PM
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