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
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Song & Call Comparison
Downy Woodpecker
Gesang
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'.
Sulu Pygmy Woodpecker
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Geographic Range & Migration
Downy Woodpecker
North America from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, excluding the arid Southwest.
Sulu Pygmy Woodpecker
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Erhaltungsstatus
Least Concern
Downy Woodpecker
Vulnerable
Sulu Pygmy Woodpecker
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Downy Woodpecker
Gefieder
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.
Schnabel
Short, chisel-shaped, dark bill — noticeably shorter than the similar hairy woodpecker
Sulu Pygmy Woodpecker
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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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More Birds in Family
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