Downy Woodpecker

Overview

Downy woodpeckers have white tufts at the base of their black bills. Males and females look the same, except that males have a small red patch at the back of their neck. Young females do not have any red at all. Downy Woodpeckers give a checkered black and white impression. The black upperparts are checked with white on the wings, the head is boldly striped, and the back has a broad white stripe down the center. 

Distribution & Habitat

The Downy Woodpecker is found over the greater part of the North American continent.   Closer to home they are found in Canada in the northernmost part of the country, from the island of Newfoundland across to James Bay and abroad.

The Downy Woodpecker lives in a variety of wooded areas, in the northern mixed forests and in the forests further south. They are also found in orchards, and even in some city parks in local neighborhoods. 

Diet

Downy woodpeckers are omnivorous. Their primary foods include insects, fruits, seeds, sap and some cambium tissue. Beetles, ants, bugs, plant lice and caterpillars. Downy woodpeckers are one of the few woodpecker species that will come to a feeder for a main source of food.

Lifespan

Downy Woodpeckers have a relatively short lifespan. A five year old downy is an old bird.  The average lifespan of these birds is between one-two years.  Like other small birds, Downy Woodpeckers have life span that is much shorter than bigger birds.