Downy Woodpecker vs Rufous-winged Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens compared with Piculus simplex
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Downy Woodpecker | Rufous-winged Woodpecker |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Picoides pubescens | Piculus simplex |
| Order | Piciformes | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae | Picidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 16.0 cm (6.3 in) | — |
| Wingspan | 28.0 cm (11.0 in) | 22.3 cm (8.8 in) |
| Weight | 27.0 g (0.95 oz) | 53.0 g (1.87 oz) |
| Diet | Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often … | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-4 |
| 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
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'.
Rufous-winged Woodpecker
Geographic Range & Migration
Downy Woodpecker
North America from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, excluding the arid Southwest.
Rufous-winged Woodpecker
Conservation Status
Downy Woodpecker
Rufous-winged Woodpecker
How to Tell Them Apart
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
Rufous-winged Woodpecker
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.