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What kinds of Woodpeckers are they?

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











[ Last edited by lyatming at 6/08/2011 19:12 ]

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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

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The first picture is terrific!

Cheers
Mike
Mike KilburnVice Chairman, HKBWSChairman, Conservation Committee

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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.

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Thx John, Mike and David.

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