lyatming 6/08/2011 19:11
What kinds of Woodpeckers are they?
The photos were taken in Hokkaido, Japan. However, I cannot distingush whether they are Great Spotted woodpecker or White-backed Woodpecker. Please help. Thx 3551875328cc445
[img]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/lee_yat_ming/Birds%20in%20Japan/2011/IMG_7007_2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/lee_yat_ming/Birds%20in%20Japan/2011/IMG_6864_2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/lee_yat_ming/Birds%20in%20Japan/2011/IMG_7349_2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/lee_yat_ming/Birds%20in%20Japan/2011/IMG_7350_2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/lee_yat_ming/Birds%20in%20Japan/2011/IMG_6790_2.jpg[/img]
[[i] Last edited by lyatming at 6/08/2011 19:12 [/i]]
ddavid 6/08/2011 20:21
Based on the information in 'Birds of East Asia', the first two pics are of White-backed Woodpecker, the others are Great Spotted. The key distinguishing feature is that the black bar curving around the cheek does not connect to the nape on White-backed but does on Great Spotted.
David
kmike 6/08/2011 23:15
The first picture is terrific!
Cheers
Mike
ajohn 9/08/2011 08:57
In addition to the feature mentioned by David, notice that the White-backed has very strongly streaked flanks and pinkish undertail coverts, and that the Great Spotted has a large white oval in the scapulars.
I agree with Mike - the first picture is really good.
lyatming 9/08/2011 11:03
Thx John, Mike and David.3551smile445