The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides the most reliable data on population trends for this species in Canada, though the survey covers less than half the species' range. BBS results show some annual variation but a generally positive trend since the early 1970s. However, that increase is still considered to be within the category of little overall change. Regional results vary from moderate decreases in the Northern Pacific Rainforest and Northern Rockies Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) to large increases in the Prairie Potholes and Boreal Taiga Plain (all BCRs for which there are adequate or reliable BBS trends are displayed below). Christmas Bird Count results for Canada suggest a large increase in the Canadian population though these results also do not provide full coverage of the species' range and the survey is less well standardized than BBS. The Downy Woodpecker is at an acceptable level relative to its national population goal (see BBS Canada graph below).
Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis
Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
