Downy Woodpecker vs Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Picoides pubescens comparé à Sphyrapicus varius

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribut Downy Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Nom scientifique Picoides pubescens Sphyrapicus varius
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) 25,0 cm (9.8 in)
Poids 27,0 g (0.95 oz) 48,48333333333333 g (1.71 oz)
Régime alimentaire Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often … --
Taille de la couvée -- 4-7
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Downy Woodpecker 16,0 cm
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Envergure
Downy Woodpecker 28,0 cm
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 25,0 cm
Poids
Downy Woodpecker 27,0 g
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 48,48333333333333 g

Habitat Comparison

Habitats partagés

Aucun(e)

Downy Woodpecker only

Aucun(e)

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 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'.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Geographic Range & Migration

Downy Woodpecker

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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Statut de conservation

Least Concern

Downy Woodpecker

Least Concern

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

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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