Name: Downy Woodpecker

Description: The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest and most common woodpecker in North America. It can drill cavities in dead trees or limbs so it can live in a wider range of habitat than larger woodpeckers. The Downy Woodpecker is found throughout most of North America from Alaska to Florida. Those in the northern parts migrate south for the winter, but these migrations depend on available food supplies, so they're somewhat irregular.

Other Names: None

Color: The Downy Woodpecker is black and white with a broad, white stripe down the back from shoulder to rump. Its wings are checkered in a black-and-white pattern that shows through on the underside of the wing, while the breast and flanks are all white. The crown of the head is black and the cheeks and neck are adorned with black-and-white lines. Males have a red patch, like a scarlet pompom, at the rear of the head.

Sound: In February or March, a Downy Woodpecker pair will indicate that they are occupying their nesting site by flying around it and drumming short, fast tattoos with their bills on dry twigs or other resonant objects scattered about. The drumming also serves as a means of communication between the two. Downy Woodpeckers also have a variety of calls. They utter a “tick, tchick, tcherrick,” and add a sharp whinnying call during the nesting season.

Preferred Environment: The Downy Woodpecker is at home in a variety of wooded areas, in the northern mixed forests and in the deciduous forests farther south; in woodlots and parklands; in orchards; and even in city parks and neighborhoods. It prefers broadleaf trees, such as poplar, birch and ash, for the light that they let in among the evergreens. In the western part of its range, the Downy Woodpecker can be found in alder and willow growth.

Nesting Habits: The Downy Woodpecker nests in the cavities of trees or dead branches, but does create a separate nest structure.

Food Preference: Downy Woodpeckers prefer safflower, sunflower and suet.