Month 2 · February · Wave 1

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens · Picidae

North America’s smallest woodpecker — a winter feeder favorite.

At a glance

Size: 5.5–6.7 in
Wingspan: 9.8–11.8 in
Habitat: Woodlots, parks, orchards, backyard trees
Diet: Insects, larvae under bark; suet and seeds at feeders

Range: Nearly all of North America except extreme deserts and far north tundra

Nesting: Excavates a cavity in dead wood; entrance about 1–1.5 inches across.

Coloring pose idea: Climbing a snag, head-up on bark

Hear this bird

General call / song: Sharp pik and a descending whinny-like rattle.

Mating / display: Drumming on hollow limbs advertises territory; soft notes between pair at the nest cavity.

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Play calls on All About Birds Species overview Audubon field guide

How to know it

Black-and-white checkered back; short stubby bill relative to head.
Male has a small red patch on the nape; female lacks it.
Compare with Hairy Woodpecker: Downy is smaller with a proportionally shorter bill.

Behavior

Taps and probes bark for insects; also visits suet cages.
Joins mixed winter flocks with chickadees and nuthatches.
Call is a sharp pik; drumming is a short, fast roll.

Fun facts

Stiff tail feathers act like a prop while climbing.
Often nests in backyard snags if left standing.
Despite the name, feathers are not especially soft.

Companion page for the Birds Coloring Calendar series by R. J. D. B. Fact summaries are original educational text. Call playback via link to All About Birds / Cornell Lab. Re-test QR codes on a phone before final print. Not affiliated with Cornell Lab or Audubon.

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