Downy Woodpecker vs Resplendent Quetzal

Picoides pubescens comparé à Pharomachrus mocinno

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribut Downy Woodpecker Resplendent Quetzal
Nom scientifique Picoides pubescens Pharomachrus mocinno
Ordre Piciformes Trogoniformes
Famille Picidae Trogonidae
Statut de conservation Least Concern Near Threatened
Longueur 16,0 cm (6.3 in) 36,0 cm (14.2 in)
Envergure 28,0 cm (11.0 in) 50,0 cm (19.7 in)
Poids 27,0 g (0.95 oz) 210,0 g (7.41 oz)
Régime alimentaire Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often … Primarily wild avocados and other laurel family fruits, supplemented with insects, lizards, and frogs. A …
Taille de la couvée -- 1-2
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Downy Woodpecker 16,0 cm
Resplendent Quetzal 36,0 cm
Envergure
Downy Woodpecker 28,0 cm
Resplendent Quetzal 50,0 cm
Poids
Downy Woodpecker 27,0 g
Resplendent Quetzal 210,0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Habitats partagés

Aucun(e)

Downy Woodpecker only

Aucun(e)

Resplendent Quetzal only

Downy Woodpecker

Deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. The most common woodpecker at feeders in North America.

Resplendent Quetzal

Montane cloud forests at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters. Requires old-growth forest with dead trees for nesting cavities.

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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'.

Resplendent Quetzal

Chant

Melodious, repetitive cooing: a series of 'kowee-kowee-kowee' or 'woh-woh-woh-woh' phrases. Male sings from high exposed perches in cloud forest canopy. Evocative highland call.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Downy Woodpecker

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

Resplendent Quetzal

Southern Mexico through Central America to western Panama. Resident in mountain cloud forests.

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Statut de conservation

Least Concern

Downy Woodpecker

Near Threatened

Resplendent Quetzal

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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

Resplendent Quetzal

Plumage

Males have iridescent emerald-green upperparts, a crimson-red breast, and extraordinarily long green tail coverts streaming up to 65 cm beyond the tail. Females are duller with grey breasts.

Bec

Short, broad, bright yellow bill partially hidden by green feathers

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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.

Resplendent Quetzal

The resplendent quetzal was considered divine by the Maya and Aztec civilizations, associated with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Its iridescent green plumage and long tail streamers make it one of the most beautiful birds in the world. Guatemala's currency is named after this bird.

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