The downy woodpecker is one of the most common and widely distributed woodpeckers in North America. They are small birds, only about 6-7 inches in length, with black and white plumage, a red spot on the back of their head, and a signature “downy” look from their soft white feathers. Downy woodpeckers can be found in a variety of wooded habitats across most of North America, including deciduous forests, mixed forests, parks, backyards, and more. Here are 3 key facts about these charming little birds:
Fact 1: Downy Woodpeckers Eat Insects and Larvae
The main food source for downy woodpeckers is insects and insect larvae that they find while foraging on trees. Their diet typically consists of:
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Ants
- Spiders
- Insect eggs
- Larvae
Downy woodpeckers use their sharp beak to hammer and chisel away at the bark of trees to expose hiding insects. They have a long, sticky tongue that they use to extract insects and larvae from crevices in the bark. Their unique skull and neck muscles give them the speed and power they need for rapid pecking. Downy woodpeckers will eat insects at all stages of development including pupae, larvae, eggs, and adults. This appetite for harmful insects makes them a boon to many trees and forests.
Fact 2: They Nest in Tree Cavities
Downy woodpeckers nest incavities that they excavate in the dead wood of trees. They use theirbeaks to chisel out small round entrance holes that lead to larger chamberswithin the trunk or branches. The cavities are typically only about 6 inches wideand 8-12 inches deep. Both the male and female woodpecker help excavate thenesting hole, a process which takes around 1-3 weeks.
Once the cavity is complete, the female lays between 3-8 white eggs inside. She incubates the eggs alone for about 12 days before they hatch. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks which leave the nest around 3-4 weeks after hatching. Downy woodpeckers will reuse the same nesting cavity for several years in a row. These abandoned cavities are also used by other cavity-nesting birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and bluebirds.
Fact 3: They Have a Distinctive “Downy” Appearance
Downy woodpeckers get their name from the soft white feathers that cover their bodies. Their plumage is mostly black and white with distinctive patterns. Some key identification features include:
- White stripe down the center of their back
- Black wings with white spots and bars
- White underparts
- White stripe on the side of the face
- Black tail with white outer feathers
- Red spot at the back of the head (males only)
The downy woodpecker’s white feathers give it a “downy”, fluffy appearance compared to other woodpeckers. The plumage of males and females is mostly identical, except males have a bold red patch on the back of their head. Juvenile birds look similar but lack the red crown. The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker species in North America. They are almost identical to the similarly-named hairy woodpecker but are much smaller in size.
Downy Woodpecker Behavior
Downy woodpeckers display some interesting behaviors and adaptations:
Foraging Behavior
- Use a “hitching” motion, moving up tree trunks in short hitches while foraging.
- Drum on dead branches and other objects to stake territory and attract mates.
- Make short excavations in bark to locate larval insects.
- Use their long tongue to extract insects deep within tree cavities.
- Occasionally catch insects in mid-air like flycatchers.
Communication
- Make a soft, weak “pik” call while feeding.
- Sharp “pik-pik-pik” calls are used to proclaim territory.
- Males will drum rapidly on surfaces to attract females.
- Have a wide repertoire of vocalizations including rattles, shrieks, and whinnies.
Interaction with Humans
- Fairly tolerant of human presence.
- Often visit bird feeders if suet or nuts are offered.
- May take food offered by hand once habituated.
- Common sightings in backyards and parks.
Downy Woodpecker Habitat
Downy woodpeckers occupy a broad range of wooded habitats across North America including:
Deciduous Forests
Found in forests with an abundance of deciduous trees like oak, maple, beech, elm, and others. Especially fond of dead or dying trees infested with insects.
Coniferous Forests
Occur year-round in conifer forests. Ideal habitat has both conifers and deciduous trees. Favors forests with pine, spruce, hemlock, and fir trees.
Mixed Forests
Live in diverse forests that have a mix of conifers and deciduous trees. These offer ample food sources and nesting sites.
Riparian Forests
Floodplain forests along rivers and streams provide excellent habitat. Cottonwood and willow trees are common in these areas.
Pine Savannas
Savanna ecosystems with scattered pine trees are home to downy woodpeckers in the southeastern United States.
Parks and Backyards
Downies adapt well to urban areas and are regular backyard birds. They also thrive in city parks and green spaces.
Downy Woodpecker Diet
The diet of the downy woodpecker consists mainly of insects and other arthropods:
Food Source | Details |
---|---|
Beetles | Bark beetles, wood boring beetles, weevils, larvae, and eggs. |
Moths and Butterflies | Eggs, pupae, caterpillars, and adults. |
Ants | Eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of tree-dwelling species. |
Spiders and Insects | Wide variety including bark spiders, cicadas, crickets, and more. |
Other Foods | Sapsuckers, tree sap, berries, seeds, and suet. |
They use their signature pecking and drilling abilities to find insects concealed under bark, inside wood, and in deep crevices. By consuming harmful insects, downy woodpeckers help protect forests from infestation and increase tree health.
Downy Woodpecker Species Identification
Identifying the downy woodpecker:
- Size: 6-7 inches long with a 10-11 inch wingspan
- Color: Black and white plumage with spotted wings
- Bill: Short, chisel-like beak about 1/2 inch long
- Head: Red spot at back of head on males
- Voice: Distinctive “pik” calls and drumming
- Behavior: Climbs up tree trunks while foraging (“hitching”)
Similar species can include:
- Hairy woodpecker: Larger and bulkier with a longer bill
- Red-bellied woodpecker: Much more red on head and upper breast
- Red-headed woodpecker: Solid red head and neck
- Pileated woodpecker: Much larger with a red crest
The downy is the smallest North American woodpecker. Use its small size, black and white coloration with white spots on wings, short bill, and “hitching” behavior to positively identify. Compare to superficially similar hairy woodpecker. Females lack the red crown patch.
Downy Woodpecker Nesting Habits
The downy woodpecker nesting process:
Excavation
- Excavate nest cavities in dead trees and fallen logs
- Favor softer woods like cottonwood, willow, maple, birch
- Entrance hole is 1-1.5 inches across leading to larger cavity
- Cavity is 6-12 inches deep
- Male and female take turns excavating over 1-3 weeks
Eggs and Incubation
- Clutch size is 3-8 glossy white eggs
- Only the female incubates the eggs
- Incubation lasts for about 12 days
Chicks
- Both parents care for and feed the hatchlings
- Chicks fledge around 26-29 days after hatching
- Parents continue caring for fledglings up to one month
Reuse
- Abandoned nest cavities reused for roosting and breeding
- Also used by other secondary cavity nesters
The downy excavates a new nest each year but may reuse old nests. Other species take advantage of old downy cavities for nesting and shelter.
Downy Woodpecker Threats and Conservation
Despite being common, downy woodpeckers face some key threats:
Habitat Loss
Logging, fire, urbanization, and dying trees reduce nesting and feeding sites. Preserving mature forests with dead/dying trees aids populations.
Pesticides
Insecticides reduce food sources. Can be poisoned by treated trees. Using natural insect control methods minimizes harm.
Predators
Squirrels, raccoons, snakes, hawks, and owls prey on adults, eggs, and nestlings. Cavities offer some protection.
Competition
Compete with other cavity nesters for nest sites. Starlings and house sparrows may displace them from nests.
Conservation Actions
- Protect woodland habitats from excessive logging and development
- Retain dead trees and stubs in forests for nesting and foraging
- Install nest boxes suited to downy requirements
- Avoid pesticide overuse and use natural controls when possible
Sustainable forestry and reduced pesticide use can help maintain healthy downy woodpecker populations. Putting up nest boxes also gives them extra breeding options.
Fun Facts About Downy Woodpeckers
In addition to their unique traits and behaviors, downy woodpeckers have some fun and fascinating facts associated with them:
- Their feet have four toes, two facing forward and two backward to grip vertical surfaces.
- Have extra-long, sticky tongues that wrap around their skull when retracted.
- Special eyelids protect their eyes from flying wood chips when hammering.
- Have strong yet flexible tail feathers that provide support against tree trunks.
- Constantly molt old worn feathers and grow new ones throughout the year.
- Main predators include falcons, owls, snakes, squirrels, and treetop hawks.
- Occasionally catch insects in midair by darting out from a perch.
- Male and female pair bonds will last multiple seasons, even for life.
- West Coast birds have much more red on the head than East Coast downies.
- In winter they may roost in tree cavities with dozens of other downy woodpeckers.
The downy woodpecker’s small size and acrobatic abilities make it fun to watch. Look for them creeping up trees and pursuing insects in yards and parks!
Conclusion
The diminutive downy woodpecker may be small, but it plays an important role in forest ecosystems across North America. These common woodpeckers help control insect pests, create nesting cavities, and serve as an indicator of forest health. Watch for their distinctive black and white plumage with white polka-dots on the wings as they forage on tree trunks. Listen for their gentle “pik” contact calls which sound like a soft version of the hairy woodpecker’s call. Providing dead trees and nest boxes can help attract downy woodpeckers to your backyard. Their antics at feeders and skill in extracting hidden insects make them charming year-round residents in many neighborhoods.