Downy Woodpecker vs Grey-faced Woodpecker

Picoides pubescens comparé à Picus canus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribut Downy Woodpecker Grey-faced Woodpecker
Nom scientifique Picoides pubescens Picus canus
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) 29,3 cm (11.5 in)
Poids 27,0 g (0.95 oz) 158,0 g (5.57 oz)
Régime alimentaire Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often … --
Taille de la couvée -- 4-10
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Downy Woodpecker 16,0 cm
Grey-faced Woodpecker
Envergure
Downy Woodpecker 28,0 cm
Grey-faced Woodpecker 29,3 cm
Poids
Downy Woodpecker 27,0 g
Grey-faced Woodpecker 158,0 g

Habitat Comparison

Habitats partagés

Aucun(e)

Downy Woodpecker only

Aucun(e)

Grey-faced 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'.

Grey-faced Woodpecker

Geographic Range & Migration

Downy Woodpecker

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

Grey-faced Woodpecker

Statut de conservation

Least Concern

Downy Woodpecker

Least Concern

Grey-faced 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

Grey-faced 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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