Description
The Downy Woodpecker has white on the wings and
a white back. The back has a broad white strip
down the center. The bill is small. The males
have a red patch on the back of the head. The
outer tail fathers are generally white with a
few black spots. The Hairy Woodpecker has a
similar appearance but is a larger bird.
The red nape of the male Hairy Woodpecker is
divided by a black
line.
Size: 6.5” (16 cm)
Voice: A rapid “whinny” cry of
notes, descending in a pitch. Call note of the
Downy Woodpecker is a flat Pick, which is not
as sharp as the Hairy Woodpecker’s Peek!
Distribution & Habitat
You will find the Downy Woodpecker in forests,
woodlots, willows, river groves, orchards, and
shade trees. Their habitat range
is in Alaska, Canada to the Southern
United States.
Feeding Habits
The Downy Woodpecker uses it’s bill to drill
into trees to dig out insects such as beetles,
wasps, moths and insect larvae. (Look closely
to see a woodpecker tree!) It also
eats berries, sunflower seeds and comes to suet
feeders.
Breeding and Nesting Habits
Downy
woodpeckers that live in the southern part of
their range mate in late winter. They mate in
the early spring if they live in the northern
part of their range. Both the male and the
female make the nest in a birdhouse (specifically
made for the Downy Woodpecker)or by
pecking a hole in a dead tree, fence post or
sometimes, a telephone pole. The nest can take
up to two weeks to dig out. The female lays
four to five white eggs. The eggs are incubated
for about twelve days by both parents, and both
parents care for the chicks. The chicks first
leave the nest when they are about three weeks
old.
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