The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America. Length ranges from 14 to 18 cm. Downy woodpeckers primarily live in forested areas throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra. The bird nests in tree cavities and feeds primarily on insects, although it supplements its diet with seeds and berries. The downy woodpecker is very similar in appearance to the hairy woodpecker, although they are not closely related.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Widespread across forested regions of the United States and much of Canada, absent only from the driest southwestern deserts and the high Arctic tundra. It inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, riparian corridors, orchards, shelterbelts, and urban parks. The species readily uses small woodlots and edge habitats and often persists in suburban yards with mature trees. It nests in self-excavated cavities in dead or decaying wood and will use nest boxes when available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Downy Woodpecker is North America’s smallest woodpecker and a common visitor to backyard feeders, especially for suet. Males show a small red patch on the nape, absent in females. It is frequently confused with the larger Hairy Woodpecker; the Downy’s proportionally shorter bill (about half the head length) and patterned outer tail feathers help distinguish it. Adaptable and inquisitive, it thrives in woodlands, parks, orchards, and suburban neighborhoods.
The female lacks the red patch on the back of the head
Temperament
active and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
bounding with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and excavates a new cavity each year. Outside the breeding season it often joins mixed-species foraging flocks with chickadees and nuthatches. Roosts singly in cavities during cold nights.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include a sharp, high pik and a descending, rattling whinny. Drumming is rapid and evenly paced, used for territorial signaling rather than food excavation.
Plumage
Crisp black-and-white pattern with a broad white back patch, white underparts, and checkered black-and-white wings. Face shows bold black-and-white stripes; males have a small red nape patch. Outer tail feathers are white with small black spots or bars.
Diet
Primarily eats insects and their larvae, including beetles, ants, and caterpillars, gleaned from bark and twigs. Also takes spiders and occasionally drinks sap from sapsucker wells. Supplements its diet with seeds, berries, and suet, especially in winter. Frequently visits backyard feeders for suet, peanuts, and sunflower chips.
Preferred Environment
Forages on small-diameter branches, twigs, and weed stems as well as tree trunks, favoring thin-barked deciduous trees. Often searches goldenrod galls for fly larvae and works along edges, orchards, and suburban trees.
