Hairy Woodpecker ID question answered thanks to Jim N of Maryland. “More likely at this point in the breeding season is that this is a classic interior west Hairy Woodpecker that has worn and dirty feathers from many trips in and out of its nesting hole, both to excavate the hole and then to bring food to nestlings. Depending on the tree where its nest is located, there can be sap and resins that would end up staining the breast and other body feathers. I see something similar with Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers here in Maryland. By the time they have fledged their young, the adults are very worn and dirty compared to their bright, clean appearance in the late winter and early spring. The birds will molt after breeding and look much fresher again.” Thanks, Jim! On Friday, June 11, 2021 at 11:29:08 AM UTC-6 Joanie wrote:
> [image: 79BA2D02-67FB-4599-88D4-62AA0477D33E.jpeg][image: > BC93633D-581A-4337-BD25-E6D86C05912E.jpeg]We live in Colorado Springs > close to the foothills. This Hairy Woodpecker was not the typical variety > we see. This one had a very smudgy, gray front. We looked at our books and > wondered if this was a Pacific variety. Thanks, and appreciate the help! > Joanie > -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/a2aec553-3f1c-46ed-8e8e-d3faa6630346n%40googlegroups.com.
