Chilean Flicker vs Downy Woodpecker

Colaptes pitius compared with Picoides pubescens

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Chilean Flicker Downy Woodpecker
Scientific Name Colaptes pitius Picoides pubescens
Order Piciformes Piciformes
Family Picidae Picidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 16.0 cm (6.3 in)
Wingspan 30.3 cm (11.9 in) 28.0 cm (11.0 in)
Weight 136.5 g (4.81 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 4-6 --
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Chilean Flicker
Downy Woodpecker 16.0 cm
Wingspan
Chilean Flicker 30.3 cm
Downy Woodpecker 28.0 cm
Weight
Chilean Flicker 136.5 g
Downy Woodpecker 27.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Chilean 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

Chilean 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

Chilean 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

Chilean Flicker

Least Concern

Downy Woodpecker

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How to Tell Them Apart

Chilean 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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