Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

Statewide and common in NC, Downy Woodpeckers are found throughout the U.S. and southern Canada and are common back yard feeder birds for suet and sunflower seeds.
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Wake Co., NC
28 Sep 2012

Males show red in their napes. Unlike the similar but larger Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpeckers have black spots mixed into the white outer tail feathers.


Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Orange Co., NC
11 Dec 2020

Females lack red on the backs of their heads


Downy Woodpecker and Eastern Bluebird Downy Woodpecker (male) and an Eastern Bluebird
Durham Co., NC
31 Jan 2010

Both birds are waiting their turn on the suet feeder below.


Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Misoula Co., MT
5 Aug 2014
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Misoula Co., MT
5 Aug 2014
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Misoula Co., MT
5 Aug 2014

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Created on ... February 12, 2010 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com