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Downy Woodpecker

Picoides pubescens

Least Concern
Longitud
16,0 cm
Envergadura
28,0 cm
Peso
27,0 g
Familia
Picidae
Orden
Piciformes

Acerca de

The downy woodpecker is the smallest and most widespread woodpecker in North America. Its small size allows it to forage on thin branches and weed stems that larger woodpeckers cannot access. Downies often join mixed-species flocks in winter, benefiting from the extra vigilance of multiple species watching for predators.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Body Length 16,0 cm 6.3 in
Envergadura 28,0 cm 11.0 in
Peso 27,0 g 0.95 oz

Identificación

Plumaje

Black and white plumage with a broad white stripe down the back. Black wings with white spots. Males have a small red patch on the nape.

Pico

Short, chisel-shaped, dark bill — noticeably shorter than the similar hairy woodpecker

Habitat & Range

Deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. The most common woodpecker at feeders in North America.

Distribución geográfica

North America from Alaska and Canada south through the United States, excluding the arid Southwest.

Diet & Feeding

Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often forages on small branches and weed stems.

Estado de conservación

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Sonido

Canto

A sharp 'pik' or 'peek' contact call. Drums on resonant branches with a rapid, light tattoo — softer than larger woodpeckers. Also gives a high descending whinny 'keeer-keeer'.

Taxonomía

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Orden Piciformes (Woodpeckers & Toucans)
Familia Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Genus Picoides
Especies Picoides pubescens

External Databases

Preguntas frecuentes

What does the Downy Woodpecker eat?
Insects and larvae extracted from bark, supplemented with seeds, berries, and suet at feeders. Often forages on small branches and weed stems.
Where does the Downy Woodpecker live?
Deciduous and mixed forests, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. The most common woodpecker at feeders in North America.
Is the Downy Woodpecker endangered?
The Downy Woodpecker has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What does the Downy Woodpecker sound like?
A sharp 'pik' or 'peek' contact call. Drums on resonant branches with a rapid, light tattoo — softer than larger woodpeckers. Also gives a high descending whinny 'keeer-keeer'.
How big is the Downy Woodpecker?
The Downy Woodpecker has a body length of 16.0 cm, wingspan of 28.0 cm, weight of 27.0 g.
What order and family does the Downy Woodpecker belong to?
The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) belongs to the order Piciformes and the family Picidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Picidae family

Comparar

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