Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Flight call description No known flight call. Most frequent call given in flight is a long, high, descending whinny "di-di-di-di-di-di-didududu". In shorter flights gives a quick monotone rattle, "kikikiki", that varies from being somewhat musical to more dry and harsh. Also rarely gives a low, flat "pik".
Fig.1. New York July 15, 1989 (WRE).
Whinny call from perched bird.
Fig.2. New York July 15, 1989 (WRE).
Short rattle from bird in flight.
Fig.3. Minnesota September 10, 1987 (WRE).
"Pik" call from perched bird.
Examples
Diurnal calling sequence:
1. New York March 21, 1988 (Lang Elliott). Drier, harsher variation of short rattle.
2. New York September 11, 2001 (WRE). Whinny call from perched bird.
Similar species Whinny call is higher, more musical, and more descending than Hairy Woodpecker's rattle. "Pik" call sounds lower, flatter, and shorter than Hairy Woodpecker's "peek" call.
Behavior Limited migratory movements probably take place during both day and night. Often silent in flight but gives whinny call more than other calls. Not known to call in nocturnal migration.