Downy Woodpecker
Picoides
pubescens
Description
6" (15 cm). A sparrow-sized, black
and white woodpecker. Small red patch on nape in males. Similar to
Hairy Woodpecker, but smaller and with short, stubby bill.
Voice
A quiet pik. Also a descending
rattle.
Habitat
Woodlands, parks, and gardens.
Nesting
4 or 5 white eggs in a hole in a
tree.
Range
Resident from Alaska across Canada, south
throughout United States except Southwest.
Discussion
The Downy is a familiar bird in its
range, especially in winter, when many move into the suburbs and
feed on suet at bird feeders. It is often seen in the mixed flocks
of chickadees, nuthatches, creepers, and kinglets that gather in the
woods during migration and winter. As with other woodpeckers, the
male is larger than the female and chisels deep into wood with its
longer, stronger bill, whereas the female pries under the bark with
her shorter bill. Thus a pair is able to share the food resources
without competing with one another.
