Bermuda Flicker vs Downy Woodpecker
Colaptes oceanicus compared with Picoides pubescens
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Bermuda Flicker | Downy Woodpecker |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colaptes oceanicus | Picoides pubescens |
| Order | Piciformes | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae | Picidae |
| Conservation Status | Extinct | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 16.0 cm (6.3 in) |
| Wingspan | — | 28.0 cm (11.0 in) |
| Weight | — | 27.0 g (0.95 oz) |
| Diet | -- | Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often … |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Downy Woodpecker
Deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. The most common woodpecker at feeders in North America.
Song & Call Comparison
Bermuda Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
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'.
Geographic Range & Migration
Bermuda Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
North America from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, excluding the arid Southwest.
Conservation Status
Bermuda Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
How to Tell Them Apart
Bermuda Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
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.
Short, chisel-shaped, dark bill — noticeably shorter than the similar hairy woodpecker
About These Birds
Bermuda Flicker
The Bermuda Flicker was a woodpecker endemic to Bermuda that became extinct in the 17th century following human colonization and the introduction of rats and pigs to the islands. Its bones have been found in cave deposits alongside those of other extinct endemic Bermuda birds. It was likely similar to its mainland relatives, foraging on ants and insects.
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.