Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

America’s most common woodpecker is also its smallest. The boldly marked Downy Woodpecker is a familiar little bird of forests, woodlands, and backyards across North America.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Downy Woodpecker is a small, compact bird with a straight, chisel-like bill and stiff tail feathers. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with a white back, belly, and outer tail feathers. The wings display white spots, creating a checkered pattern when folded.

Males have a small red patch on the back of their head, which females lack. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a red or yellowish crown patch.

Size

Length

14cm to 18cm

Wingspan

25cm to 30cm

Weight

21g to 28g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Red

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Grey

Primary Colour (Female)

Black White

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Downy Woodpecker can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Downy Woodpecker can be found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Downy Woodpecker can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Downy Woodpecker is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Downy Woodpeckers are widely distributed across North America, from Alaska to Florida. They inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, orchards, and urban areas with mature trees. These adaptable birds are also common in suburban environments with sufficient tree cover.

Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents in the United States and Canada, maintaining their territories throughout the seasons. They are particularly prevalent in the eastern and central regions of both countries.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,750 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Downy Woodpecker. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons