Downy Woodpecker or Nuttall’s Woodpecker ?

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

Song

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

There's more to learn about Downy Woodpecker

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

How to recognise a Nuttall's woodpecker?

General appearance

The Nuttall's woodpecker is a small bird primarily black and white. It features a distinctive black and white barred pattern on its back and wings, while the underparts are white with subtle black streaks on the sides. The face has a black and white pattern, with a white stripe running below the eye. The small size and intricate patterning help distinguish it from other woodpecker species.

Male vs female

Males have a small red patch on the back of the head, which is absent in females. Females have a similar black and white barring and streaking pattern but lack the red coloring entirely. Both genders share the same habitat and range, making the red patch a key identifier for males.

Juvenile

Juveniles resemble adults but are generally duller in coloration. They may have some brownish tones in their plumage, and the streaking on the underparts is less defined. Juvenile males might show a smaller or more indistinct red patch compared to adult males. As they mature, their plumage becomes more vivid and defined.

Size

6.3 - 7.1 in/1.1 - 1.7 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Nuttall’s woodpecker typically dwells in wooded canyons and foothills, particularly those populated by oaks. It is also found in pine-oak woods and river woods.

Additional range

In Southern California, it can be found in riverside cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows, even in the absence of oaks. On the eastern edge of its range, it ventures into mesquite or other dry woods.

Range Map

What do Nuttall’s woodpeckers like to eat?

Natural diet

The Nuttall's woodpecker primarily feeds on insects, making them the cornerstone of its diet. It shows a particular preference for beetles, but it also consumes caterpillars, ants, and true bugs, among other insects. In addition to insects, the woodpecker's diet includes some plant material such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries. Although it is closely associated with oak trees, it rarely eats acorns, only a small number.

Bird feeders

Common foods for Nuttall's woodpecker at bird feeders typically include suet and sunflower seeds, which mimic the plant-based food sources the bird consumes in the wild.

What does a Nuttall's woodpecker sound like?

The Nuttall’s woodpecker displays a dynamic vocalization pattern. Common calls include a rolling, flat call, often noted as a "prreep," or a distinct "pit-it" sound. Additionally, its call repertoire encompasses a variety of types including Chirp/Chip, Drum, Rattle, and Trill. These calls and songs are typical vocalizations, eliciting a vibrant mix of sounds that characterize this species.

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

There's more to learn about Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

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Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

General appearance

The downy woodpecker is a small bird with a length of about 6 to 7 inches and a wingspan of 9 to 12 inches. It features a black and white color pattern, with a predominantly white belly and black wings that have white spots. The bird has a black tail with outer feathers that are white and often contain black barring. Its head is striped with black and white, featuring a distinctive white stripe down the center of the back and a white throat.

Male vs female

Males and females of the species can be differentiated by a red patch on the nape of the male's head, absent in females. Both sexes share a similar body patterning and coloration, although the male’s red marking is the primary distinguishing feature for identification in the field.

Juvenile

Juvenile downy woodpeckers resemble adults but may have less defined plumage markings. They often have a more brownish tint across their feathers. Juvenile males may show a hint of red on top of their head instead of the nape, providing a subtle distinction from adult males. Their overall body pattern is similar to adult birds.

Size

5.5 - 6.7 in/0.7 - 1.0 oz

There's more to learn about Downy Woodpecker

Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

General appearance

The Nuttall's woodpecker is a small bird primarily black and white. It features a distinctive black and white barred pattern on its back and wings, while the underparts are white with subtle black streaks on the sides. The face has a black and white pattern, with a white stripe running below the eye. The small size and intricate patterning help distinguish it from other woodpecker species.

Male vs female

Males have a small red patch on the back of the head, which is absent in females. Females have a similar black and white barring and streaking pattern but lack the red coloring entirely. Both genders share the same habitat and range, making the red patch a key identifier for males.

Juvenile

Juveniles resemble adults but are generally duller in coloration. They may have some brownish tones in their plumage, and the streaking on the underparts is less defined. Juvenile males might show a smaller or more indistinct red patch compared to adult males. As they mature, their plumage becomes more vivid and defined.

Size

6.3 - 7.1 in/1.1 - 1.7 oz

There's more to learn about Nuttall’s Woodpecker

How to tell the Downy Woodpecker from the Nuttall’s Woodpecker

Visual differences

The Downy Woodpecker is smaller, measuring 5.5-6.7 inches in length with a weight of 0.7-1 ounce, while the Nuttall's Woodpecker is 6.3-7.1 inches long and weighs 1.1-1.6 ounces. The Downy features a black-and-white spotted pattern on wings and a white stripe down its back. In contrast, Nuttall's has a black-and-white barred pattern on the back and wings. Both species have males with a red patch on the head, but females lack this. Nuttall's shows subtle black streaks on its white underparts, lacking in Downy's pattern.

Key differences and behavior

Downy Woodpeckers and Nuttall's Woodpeckers differ notably in both habitat and behavior. Downy Woodpeckers are versatile, inhabiting deciduous forests and suburban areas, sometimes nesting in building walls. They form pairs in late winter, featuring mutual nesting and feeding responsibilities. Conversely, Nuttall's Woodpeckers prefer oak-centric habitats, maintaining year-round pair bonds and perform unique courtship displays. Both species primarily consume insects but differ slightly in plant-based intake; Downy Woodpeckers eat seeds and berries, while Nuttall's also consumes nuts and fruits, but rarely acorns. Both visit bird feeders for suet, but Downy Woodpeckers are more adaptable to urban settings. Downys weigh 0.74–0.99 oz, smaller than Nuttall's at 1.13–1.66 oz, making them the smaller species—using this size difference can aid birdwatchers in field distinction.

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