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Downy Woodpecker


Picture
The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is 6.75 to 7 inches in length.  It has a white back, black sides and wings, and white spotting on the wings  The face is white, the top of the head is black, there is a wedge shaped black stripe through the eye, and a black malar mark.  The underparts are white.  Males have a red patch on the back of the head, while females lack a red patch.   The 3 outermost tail feathers on each side are white with dark spots.

The Downy Woodpecker's song is a descending, high-pitched whinny.  The call is a flat pik sound.  The male is the only one that sings, but both males and females drum.  Downy Woodpeckers primarily eat insects and insects larvae and eggs, but they also eat seeds, nuts, and berries.   They will come to feeders for suet, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and bread.

This woodpecker is considered widespread and common, and can be found nearly anywhere that there are trees. 

For a range map and additional information click here.

Click on the player below to hear Downy Woodpecker vocalizations. 
Click on the video below to watch a male Downy Woodpecker feeding on suet.

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  • Home
  • Animals
    • Birds >
      • Avian Taxonomy
      • Bird Species Profiles
    • Mammal Species Profiles
    • Reptiles
    • Amphibians >
      • Frog and Toad Species Profiles
    • Fish
    • Arthropods >
      • Arthropod Species Profiles
  • Plants
    • Native Plant Societies
    • Eastern Plant Identification Guide
  • Fungi
    • Fungi Species Profiles
  • Protists
  • Nature Products Store
  • Cell Phone Ringtones
  • Madbird Feeder Cam
  • Ramblings of the Madbird Biologist
  • Bird Videos
  • News in Science
  • Nature Inspired Recipes
  • An Introduction to Scientific Classification and Naming
  • Birds in the Classroom
  • Resources
  • About Me