Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
The Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a common woodpecker found in 5 countries, weighing about 26 g. The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America.
About the Downy Woodpecker
The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America. Length ranges from 14 to 18 cm. Downy woodpeckers primarily live in forested areas throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra. The bird nests in tree cavities and feeds primarily on insects, although it supplements its diet with seeds and berries. The downy woodpecker is very similar in appearance to the hairy woodpecker, although they are not closely related.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Adult downy woodpeckers are the smallest of North America's woodpeckers, but there are many smaller species elsewhere, especially the piculets. The total length of the species ranges from 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in) and the wingspan from 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12.2 in). Body mass ranges from 20 to 33 g (0.71 to 1.16 oz). Standard measurements are as follows: the wing chord is 8.5–10 cm (3.3–3.9 in), the tail is 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in), the bill is 1–1.8 cm (0.39–0.71 in) and the tarsus is 1.1–1.7 cm (0.43–0.67 in). Voice: The downy woodpecker gives a number of vocalizations, including a short pik call. The rattle-call is a short burst that sounds similar to a bouncing ball, while that of the hairy woodpecker is a shorter burst of the same amplitude. Like other woodpeckers, it also produces a drumming sound (sounds like four taps ) with its beak as it pecks into trees.
What the Downy Woodpecker sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
The Downy Woodpecker can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Downy Woodpecker on live cams
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Downy Woodpecker?
- Adult downy woodpeckers are the smallest of North America's woodpeckers, but there are many smaller species elsewhere, especially the piculets. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Downy Woodpecker?
- The Downy Woodpecker is a small sized bird weighing about 26 g.
- Where can you see a Downy Woodpecker?
- The Downy Woodpecker occurs in 5 countries, including the United States, Canada, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Mexico and Bermuda.
- What does a Downy Woodpecker sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Downy Woodpecker on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Downy Woodpecker?
- The Downy Woodpecker is most easily confused with the Nuttall's Woodpecker, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
- Is the Downy Woodpecker endangered?
- The Downy Woodpecker is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Downy Woodpecker for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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