Red-throated Wryneck vs Cardinal Woodpecker

The Red-throated Wryneck and the Cardinal Woodpecker can be distinguished primarily by their plumage. The Red-throated Wryneck has a distinctive rufous throat, while the Cardinal Woodpecker lacks this feature and instead has a more uniform plumage with streaking.

Look for the rufous throat on the Red-throated Wryneck as the most reliable field mark. In the absence of this feature, consider the possibility of a Cardinal Woodpecker, especially if the bird exhibits a more uniform plumage with streaking.

The Red-throated Wryneck features a rufous throat, which is a key distinguishing mark. In contrast, the Cardinal Woodpecker does not have a rufous throat and instead displays a more uniform plumage with streaking.