New Girl on the Block

Well, new this year anyway.

She's quite tiny and petite compared to the pileated birds I'm used to seeing. Though, she's not tiny compared to the birds I usually blip. Even this small pileated is easily more than twice the size of a bluejay. Actually, as an adult, they are more comparable to the size of a crow. Both the male and female pileated adults average 15.7–19.3 in/40–49 cm in length and have an impressive wingspan of 26–29.5 in/66–75 cm. I love to watch them fly and work their way from tree to tree... I'd say that this first year gal is about two thirds the size of an adult and her beak might be half the length of most pileateds I've photographed before.

It was just windy enough to ruffle those delicate chest feathers. I think that's why I chose her today... her chest feathers look so pretty... :)

Have a look large at those pretty, soft feathers.