Downy Woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens

 Downy Woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens, Female. Photographs taken in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, January 2023. Photographs and identification courtesy of Faith Hubsch, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Background and Identification

The Downy Woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens, is a member of the Picidae Family of Woodpeckers. This species is the smallest woodpecker in North America and is easily recognized by its striking black-and-white plumage. In the winter, Downy Woodpeckers are frequent members of mixed species flocks and birders will often find many other species intertwined with the Downy Woodpecker. There are many advantages to flocking, including spending less time watching for predators and increased luck finding food. In Mexico, they are called Pico Pubescente.

The Downy Woodpecker is a small woodpecker that have an average total length of 14.5 cm (5.7 inches) to 17.0 cm (6.7 inches) with an average adult mass of 21 g (0.74 oz) to 28 g (1.00 oz). Adult males and females are similar in appearance, with a white belly, black wings spotted with white, and a distinctive black-and-white checkered head. The male has a small red patch on the back of the head, absent in females. Downy Woodpeckers have a short, straight bill that appears proportionally smaller than that of similar woodpeckers. Juveniles of both sexes are duller and show mostly black crowns (lack of red patches in males). Second-year juvenile males begin to show a red patch on the nape of the neck.

Habitat and Geographical Range

The Downy Woodpecker prefers forests, woodlands, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. They are widespread across much of North America and adaptable to deciduous and mixed forests, though they also frequent wooded wetlands and brushy edges. Their habitats within the breeding range are similar to where they live in their nonbreeding range, although northern populations tend to prefer coniferous forests over deciduous forests and riparian areas.

Geographically, Downy Woodpeckers are widespread across much of North America, inhabiting various wooded environments. Their range extends from Alaska and northern Canada, down through the continental United States, and into Central America. While many populations are year-round residents, some northern birds may migrate short distances south during the winter.

Common Misidentifications

Downy Woodpeckers are often confused with the larger Hairy Woodpecker, Leuconotopicus villosus. Both species have black-and-white plumage, but Downy Woodpeckers are notably smaller and have a shorter, less robust bill compared to the Hairy Woodpecker. The Hairy Woodpecker has a bill that is nearly the same length as its head. Another difference is the pattern of the outer tail feathers. Downy Woodpeckers have black spots on the white outer tail feathers, while Hairy Woodpeckers have plain white outer tail feathers.

Conservation Status

From a conservation perspective the Downy Woodpecker is currently considered to be of Least Concern, with stable and widespread populations across its range. These birds have adapted well to human-altered environments and are commonly seen at backyard feeders.