Downy Woodpecker vs Red-crested Woodpecker

Picoides pubescens comparé à Hemicircus concretus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribut Downy Woodpecker Red-crested Woodpecker
Nom scientifique Picoides pubescens Hemicircus concretus
Ordre Piciformes Piciformes
Famille Picidae Picidae
Statut de conservation Least Concern Least Concern
Longueur 16,0 cm (6.3 in)
Envergure 28,0 cm (11.0 in) 16,8 cm (6.6 in)
Poids 27,0 g (0.95 oz) 30,0 g (1.06 oz)
Régime alimentaire Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often … --
Taille de la couvée -- --
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Downy Woodpecker 16,0 cm
Red-crested Woodpecker
Envergure
Downy Woodpecker 28,0 cm
Red-crested Woodpecker 16,8 cm
Poids
Downy Woodpecker 27,0 g
Red-crested Woodpecker 30,0 g

Habitat Comparison

Habitats partagés

Aucun(e)

Downy Woodpecker only

Aucun(e)

Red-crested Woodpecker only

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

Chant

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'.

Red-crested Woodpecker

Geographic Range & Migration

Downy Woodpecker

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

Red-crested Woodpecker

Statut de conservation

Least Concern

Downy Woodpecker

Least Concern

Red-crested Woodpecker

How to Tell Them Apart

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.

Bec

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

Red-crested 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.

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