General

Downy Woodpecker: Small woodpecker with black-and-white upperparts and white underparts. Hindcrown patch is red. Tail is black with black-spotted white outer tail feathers. Female and juvenile are similar but without red patch on head.

Range and Habitat

Downy Woodpecker: Resident from Alaska across Canada and south throughout the U.S. except in the southwest. Preferred habitats include woodlands, parks, and gardens.

Breeding and Nesting

Downy Woodpecker: Three to seven white eggs are laid in a bare hole in a tree. Eggs are incubated for approximately 12 days by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Downy Woodpecker: Diet consists of insects and seeds; male forages higher in tree than female; feeds on suet at feeders.

Readily Eats

Suet, Sunflower Seed, Nuts, Sugar Water, Fruit

Vocalization

Downy Woodpecker: Song is a quiet "pik"; also a descending rattle.

Similar Species

Downy Woodpecker: Hairy Woodpecker is larger, has a longer bill, and lacks spots or bars.