Downy Woodpeckers
at
a Glance
![](https://northlouisianawildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/downy-woodpecker-bayou-cocodrie-nwr053-1598x900.jpg)
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
![Hairy woodpecker foraging in a tree trunk](https://northlouisianawildlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/hairy-woodpecker-red-river-nwr038-1600x900.jpg)
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.