Their conservation status is of least concern, as they have a pretty steadfast population.

In flight, they use the same rise-and-fall flight style seen commonly with other woodpeckers. Their calls are quick and subtle, ranging from a “churrrrr” to a “pik”. It’s a lot of work, which usually continues for a few weeks after fledging.Įven though downy woodpeckers don’t actually sing songs, they are still very vocal - especially during summer. They supply their chicks as many insects possible, several times per hour.

They typically lay clutches of 4 or 5, but will sometimes lay up to 6 eggs.īoth male and female participate in incubation and caring for their young. Northern birds usually produce 1 brood per year, but southern birds may have up to 2. Even better, if the hollow is disguised by moss or lichens to provide an added layer of security. The most common spot for a downy woodpecker to nest is in a tree cavity. Once a partnership is formed, the birds remain monogamous, and the drumming continues as a way to keep in contact. The male makes his move by slowly inching closer to the female between pecking. When downy woodpeckers are interested in one another, the male and female alternate drumming. They use it to establish territory as well as for mating. This same pattern is sported by all downy woodpeckers and is accompanied by a thick white stripe extending down their back.ĭowny woodpeckers don’t only peck for food - since they don’t sing songs, the drumming serves as a form of communication. The female lacks red feathers, but still turns heads with her black and white checkerboard plumage. Food Habits Predation Ecosystem Roles Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Economic Importance for Humans: Negative Conservation Status Contributors References Geographic Range Downy woodpeckers are found throughout North America, from southeastern Alaska east to Newfoundland, extending south to southern California and Florida. Juvenile and male birds both don red feathers on their heads - but the juvenile wears a red cap while the male’s red feathers are only on its nape. Instead of a white underbelly, it’s more like a dirty dishwater, greyish-brown hue. However, western birds are a tinge darker overall. The easiest way to tell a downy from a hairy is by size hairy woodpeckers are about 50% longer.ĭowny woodpeckers don’t vary in appearance too much by region. In fact, they can be difficult to distinguish from hairy woodpeckers - even though the two are not closely related genetically. Downy woodpeckers resemble their relatives with broad shoulders, a chisel-shaped beak, and a pin-straight posture. Unlike their cousins, this woodpecker isn’t limited to foraging from a tree’s main trunk.Īppearance is another case, though. Measuring just 14-18 inches, downy woodpeckers are built to strut across the tiniest of twigs.

Downy woodpecker diet