The Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest North American woodpecker. Its plumage is similar to the Hairy Woodpecker, but the Downy is a smaller measuring just six inches in length. Adults are mainly black on the upper parts and wings with a sprinkling of white spots. Its crown, forehead, and tail are black as well. The plumage on its back, belly and chest is white, and there is a bar of white above and below the eyes. Males can be distinguished from the females by the red patch on the back of its head.

The Downy Woodpecker can be found throughout most of the United States and Southern Canada. As its preferred habitat is temperate and subtropical woodlands, it rarely, if ever seen in the arid Southwest. The Downy Woodpecker prefers woodlands, parks and gardens, but is often found in rural and urban areas as well.

The Downy Woodpecker mates in late winter or early spring depending on what area of their range they reside in. Like most woodpeckers, the Downy drums to catch the attention of a potential mate. Once mated, the female usually selects the nest site but they work together on the excavation. The nest can be a hole in a dead tree, fence post, or utility pole. It is lined with woodchips before the female lays four to five white eggs.

The eggs require less than two weeks of incubation before hatching. The hatchlings leave the nest within a few weeks.

More than one brood may be raised in a breeding season.

The Downy Woodpecker forages on trees. It will pick at the bark exposing beetles, moths, and insect larvae. Its primary food source is insects but will also eat seeds and berries. It can also be found in suburban backyards dining on suet and peanut butter.

The Little Guy
The Downy Woodpecker

Big Brothers

The Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Pileated Woodpecker
The Red-headed Woodpecker
The Hairy Woodpecker
The Northern Flicker

The Illusive One

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker

The Mischief Maker
Woody Woodpecker