Woodpecker Query

[Madelinew]

I have frequent visits in my garden from woodpeckers and have just had a gorgeous view of a Greater Spotted with the most vivid red under his tail and on his neck. Glorious in the brief bright sunshine. But all my bird references say that Greater Spotteds are about the size of a blackbird/starling. I've never agreed with that with most Great Spotteds I've seen but they all say it and give measurements accordingly. He is definitely bigger by about a third (and no it's not a green woodpecker).

Anyone who can shed any light on this anomally?

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by Madelinew

all my bird references say that Greater Spotteds are about the size of a blackbird/starling. I've never agreed with that with most Great Spotteds I've seen but they all say it and give measurements accordingly. He is definitely bigger by about a third (and no it's not a green woodpecker).

Anyone who can shed any light on this anomally?

The 'anomally' could be your estimation of size in the field. Size is very difficult to judge accurately for obvious reasons. GS Woodpeckers are marginally (by 1 or 2 cm) longer than Starling and the same size or marginally shorter than Blackbirds.

Closer views of birds that you are perhaps not used to, can give the impression of being much larger than you previously realised. (or smaller!).

The other 'illusionary' factor in judging size, relates to plumage - Starkly patterned/contrasting birds can give the illusion of being larger than they are. (and much fatter!). (Imagine clothing for example, a dress or shirt with the stripes going horizontally round the body can give the impression of making someone look larger than they actually are or, eg. how many times have you heard it said, ''black is a good colour to wear if you want to look/feel slim!''

Also remember, guides don't give body weight but wing span (sometimes) and length measurements.

Another minor consideration is the time of the year. For many species, this is the 'fattest' time of the year for them as they have been busy storing body fat after the summer moults, which they will depend upon over the winter.

Collins Bird Guide states sizes as follows: (length measurements)

GS Woodpecker L 23-26 cm
Blackbird L 23.5 - 29 cm
Starling L 19-22 cm

I think you will find biometrics given in field guides are pretty reliable and taken from numerous measurements of birds in the hand.

[Madelinew]

I was thinking they have to be fairly accurate especially as they all come up with similar measurements but I see these woodpeckers regularly in my garden at pretty close range and there are often plenty of blackbirds around to gauge them against. I accept that the plumage could create some sort of optical illusion. Perhaps we have our own special extra well fed species on the Isle of Wight

Either way he was a very very handsome specimen in tip-top condition this morning but why do they always have to land on the other side of the tree to where I'm sitting! North East side if that's of any relevance BTW.

[wizzo]

Just a thought Madeline. Could these possibly be hybrids? Wizzo

[Phoebe]

I get GSW's every day in my garden and I must admit they do look a lot bigger than a Starling or Blackbird, but I have come to the conclusion that it is the way they 'hold themselves' they are always upright which makes them look longer and broader. You don't often see a Blackbird or Starling with that stance. Mine too are looking very healthy and fat

I like the way they land on a post or tree trunk always behind then peer round either side as if playing peekaboo!

[Madelinew]

I think you could be right Phoebe. Need to account for the way the blackbird holds itself as it hops along with it's head bent up from it's body whereas the woodpecker's entire body is held in a straighter manner. When measured in the hand, that would make quite a difference.

Wizzo - hybrid with what?!

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by Madelinew

Wizzo - hybrid with what?!

Quite!!

[solus]

Originally Posted by Madelinew

When measured in the hand, that would make quite a difference.

The "length" measurements are taken "in a straight line" from bill tip to tail tip - which brings a Long-tailed Tit out at 13-15cm, when we all know it's just a tiny ball of fluff with a disproportionate lot of tail!

Hybrids??!! No chance! Unless of course Wizzo's been playing with his Mad Scientist outfit again?

[wizzo]

Alright alright, point taken. By why would it be impossible for a Woodpecker to mate with another bird? Birds do this I'm sure.

[solus]

Ducks do it, Geese do it, even educated Gulls do it (sometimes) ....

But - and I'm a birder not a science-based ornithologist, so I don't know the reasons why - in nature most birds seem to recognise their own species (possibly by song/call?) and do not cross-breed.