Campo Flicker vs Downy Woodpecker

Colaptes campestris compared with Picoides pubescens

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Campo Flicker Downy Woodpecker
Scientific Name Colaptes campestris Picoides pubescens
Order Piciformes Piciformes
Family Picidae Picidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 16.0 cm (6.3 in)
Wingspan 31.3 cm (12.3 in) 28.0 cm (11.0 in)
Weight 159.98333333333332 g (5.64 oz) 27.0 g (0.95 oz)
Diet -- Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often …
Clutch Size 4-5 --
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Campo Flicker
Downy Woodpecker 16.0 cm
Wingspan
Campo Flicker 31.3 cm
Downy Woodpecker 28.0 cm
Weight
Campo Flicker 159.98333333333332 g
Downy Woodpecker 27.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Campo Flicker only

Downy Woodpecker only

None

Downy Woodpecker

Deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. The most common woodpecker at feeders in North America.

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Song & Call Comparison

Campo Flicker

Downy Woodpecker

Song

A sharp 'pik' or 'peek' contact call. Drums on resonant branches with a rapid, light tattoo — softer than larger woodpeckers. Also gives a high descending whinny 'keeer-keeer'.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Campo Flicker

Downy Woodpecker

North America from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, excluding the arid Southwest.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Campo Flicker

Least Concern

Downy Woodpecker

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How to Tell Them Apart

Campo Flicker

Downy Woodpecker

Plumage

Black and white plumage with a broad white stripe down the back. Black wings with white spots. Males have a small red patch on the nape.

Bill

Short, chisel-shaped, dark bill — noticeably shorter than the similar hairy woodpecker

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About These Birds

Downy Woodpecker

The downy woodpecker is the smallest and most widespread woodpecker in North America. Its small size allows it to forage on thin branches and weed stems that larger woodpeckers cannot access. Downies often join mixed-species flocks in winter, benefiting from the extra vigilance of multiple species watching for predators.

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Related Comparisons

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