Downy Woodpecker

Picoides pubescensOrder: PICIFORMESFamily: Woodpeckers (Picidae)

Overview

Downy Woodpecker: The smallest woodpecker in North America. Has a white back, black nape and black wings with white spotting. Underparts are white. Face is white with black stripes. Hindcrown patch is red. Tail is black with black-spotted or barred white outer tail feathers. Bill is black and short.

Range and Habitat

Downy Woodpecker: Resident from Alaska across Canada and south throughout the U.S. except in the southwest. Preferred habitats include woodlands, parks, and gardens.

Listen:

Voice Text

"pik"

Downy Woodpecker

● Song: "pik"

● Foraging & Feeding: Downy Woodpecker: Diet consists of insects and seeds; male forages higher in tree than female; feeds on suet at feeders.

● Breeding & nesting: Downy Woodpecker: Three to seven white eggs are laid in a bare hole in a tree. Eggs are incubated for approximately 12 days by both parents.

● Similar species: Downy Woodpecker: Hairy Woodpecker is larger, has a longer bill, and lacks spots or bars.

Flight Pattern

Rapidly beating wings., Undulating flight.

● Range & Habitat: Downy Woodpecker: Resident from Alaska across Canada and south throughout the U.S. except in the southwest. Preferred habitats include woodlands, parks, and gardens.

^BreedingMonogamous

^PopulationWidespread

^MigrationNonmigratory

^Weight1 Ounces

Field Guide to Birds of North America