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.


Side-by-side comparison
- 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
70-98 g

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.

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Great Spotted Woodpecker

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Northern Flicker


