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Great Spotted Woodpecker vs Northern Flicker

How does the Great Spotted Woodpecker compare to the Northern Flicker? They are both members of the Picidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Great Spotted Woodpecker
Northern Flicker

Side-by-side comparison

Great Spotted Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Scientific name
Dendrocopos major
Colaptes auratus
Classification
Bird
Bird
Family
Picidae
Picidae
Habitat
Temperate and boreal forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens
Woodlands, forest edges, open fields, and urban parks
Diet
Omnivore
Omnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
5-11 years
6-9 years
Weight
70-98 g
110-160 g

Great Spotted Woodpecker vs Northern Flicker: who would win?

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker

70-98 g

VS
Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker

110-160 g

Northern Flicker wins moderate confidence

Northern Flicker is substantially heavier (110-160 g vs 70-98 g). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are birds.
  • Both belong to the Picidae family.
  • Both have a omnivore diet.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern.

Differences

  • Habitat: Temperate and boreal forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens vs Woodlands, forest edges, open fields, and urban parks.
  • Weight: 70-98 g vs 110-160 g.

Great Spotted Woodpecker vs Northern Flicker: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Great Spotted Woodpecker or a Northern Flicker?

Northern Flicker wins. Northern Flicker is substantially heavier (110-160 g vs 70-98 g). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Northern Flicker?

Great Spotted Woodpecker and Northern Flicker differ in several ways — habitat: temperate and boreal forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens vs woodlands, forest edges, open fields, and urban parks. weight: 70-98 g vs 110-160 g.

Do Great Spotted Woodpecker and Northern Flicker live in the same habitat?

No — Great Spotted Woodpecker lives in temperate and boreal forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens, while Northern Flicker is found in woodlands, forest edges, open fields, and urban parks.

What do Great Spotted Woodpecker and Northern Flicker eat?

Both Great Spotted Woodpecker and Northern Flicker have a omnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Great Spotted Woodpecker or the Northern Flicker?

Great Spotted Woodpecker is listed as Least Concern, while Northern Flicker is listed as Least Concern.

How big are Great Spotted Woodpecker and Northern Flicker?

Great Spotted Woodpecker weighs around 70-98 g, while Northern Flicker weighs around 110-160 g.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

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Great Spotted Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

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Northern Flicker

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