Downy Woodpeckers
at
a Glance
Key Features:
Downy woodpeckers are white with black backs, wings, and tails. They have black stripes on their heads. Males have red napes.
Least Concern - Population Stable
Habitat:
Open woodland, orchards, parks, and yards
nesting habits:
Downy woodpeckers nest in holes in dead trees.
seasons downy woodpeckers are active in our area:
All year
Diet:
Insects, acorns, berries, and grains
hunting Behavior:
Downy woodpeckers forage by drilling in trees and hopping on the ground.
Commonly Confused With:
Hairy Woodpeckers and Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers
Downy woodpeckers are often confused with hairy woodpeckers because both are black and white woodpeckers. Downy woodpeckers are smaller and have shorter beaks.
Downy woodpeckers are often confused with yellow-bellied sapsuckers because both are black and white. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers have red crowns.