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WoodlandCavity nestSmall · 26 g
What the Downy Woodpecker sounds like
ID tip
Adult downy woodpeckers are the smallest of North America's woodpeckers, but there are many smaller species elsewhere, especially the piculets. The total length of the species ranges from 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in) and the wingspan from 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12.2 in). Body mass ranges from 20 to 33 g (0.71 to 1.16 oz). Standard measurements are as follows: the wing chord is 8.5–10 cm (3.3–3.9 in), the tail is 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in), the bill is 1–1.8 cm (0.39–0.71 in) and the tarsus is 1.1–1.7 cm (0.43–0.67 in). Voice: The downy woodpecker gives a number of vocalizations, including a short pik call. The rattle-call is a short burst that sounds similar to a bouncing ball, while that of the hairy woodpecker is a shorter burst of the same amplitude. Like other woodpeckers, it also produces a drumming sound (sounds like four taps ) with its beak as it pecks into trees.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Downy Woodpecker
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Downy Woodpecker
The map shades 5 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America. Length ranges from 14 to 18 cm. Downy woodpeckers primarily live in forested areas throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra. The bird nests in tree cavities and feeds primarily on insects, although it supplements its diet with seeds and berries. The downy woodpecker is very similar in appearance to the hairy woodpecker, although they are not closely related.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Nuttall's WoodpeckerDryobates nuttalliiNuttall's woodpecker has striped black and white patterned wings and tail feathers with white.
Ladder-backed WoodpeckerDryobates scalarisThe ladder-backed woodpecker is a small woodpecker about 16.5 to 19 cm (6½ to 7½ inches) in length.
Lesser Spotted WoodpeckerDryobates minorThis is the smallest European woodpecker, with adults being 14 to 16.5 cm (5.5 to 6.5 in) long with a wing span of 24 to 29 cm (9.4 to 11.4 in) and weighing 17 to 25 g (0.60 to 0.88 oz).
Side by side: Downy Woodpecker vs Nuttall's Woodpecker · Downy Woodpecker vs Ladder-backed Woodpecker · Downy Woodpecker vs Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Watch the Downy Woodpecker on live cams
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