Downy Woodpecker
Description: Small woodpecker with black and white spotting across wings and a broad white patch down the center of its back. Males bear a red patch at the back of the head, absent in females. The very similar Hairy Woodpecker is larger and distinguished readily by the size of the bill. The Downy's bill is petite and shorter than its head but the Hairy's beak is about the same length of its head with a blunt looking tip.
Nest: Cavity excavated into snags and dead branches. Cavity is lined with wood-chips.
Eggs: 4-7 white eggs, unmarked.
Diet: Insects and spiders found under bark and in rotten wood. Also taken, especially in winter and fall are seeds and fruits. I have observed them opening goldenrod galls to extract the was larvae within. They regularly visit feeders offering suet and sunflower seeds.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands as well as mixed and coniferous areas. They are non-migratory but sometimes forage with other small birds such as chickadees in winter.
Nest: Cavity excavated into snags and dead branches. Cavity is lined with wood-chips.
Eggs: 4-7 white eggs, unmarked.
Diet: Insects and spiders found under bark and in rotten wood. Also taken, especially in winter and fall are seeds and fruits. I have observed them opening goldenrod galls to extract the was larvae within. They regularly visit feeders offering suet and sunflower seeds.
Habitat: Deciduous woodlands as well as mixed and coniferous areas. They are non-migratory but sometimes forage with other small birds such as chickadees in winter.
Female Downy Woodpecker