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Downy Woodpecker

Picoides pubescens

Least Concern

Comprimento

16,0 cm

Envergadura

28,0 cm

Peso

27,0 g

Família

Picidae

Ordem

Piciformes

Smallest of the North American woodpeckers, the Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) turns its size to advantage, working thin branches and weed stems that heavier species cannot use. Plumage is black and white, with a broad white stripe down the back and white spotting on black wings; males show a small red patch on the nape. The bill is short and chisel-shaped, noticeably shorter than that of the similar Hairy Woodpecker, which is the readiest way to separate the two. Deciduous and mixed forest, orchards, parks and suburbs all hold the species, which is the woodpecker most often seen at feeders. Its drumming is a rapid, light tattoo, softer than that of larger relatives. In winter the birds join mixed-species flocks.

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Sobre

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

Identificação

Plumagem

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.

Bico

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.

Distribuição 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 conservação

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

Som

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'.

Taxonomia

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Ordem	Piciformes (Woodpeckers & Toucans)
Família	Picidae (Woodpeckers)
Genus	Picoides
Espécies	Picoides pubescens

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
German	Dunenspecht
Spanish	Pico Pubescente

External Databases

Perguntas frequentes

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.