Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

                                                                          Photos by Barry Wallace

The Downy Woodpecker (L 6 1/4" -17 cm.) is the smallest of the 16 woodpeckers found in North America (the number of 16 woodpeckers includes what may be the possibly extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker, which would be the largest of North America's woodpeckers at (L 19 1/2' or 50 cm!)  .   It is found to be abundant and widespread across the southern half of Canada and most of the U.S.A.   It is found everywhere there are trees (except in the dry southwest of the U.S), even suburbs and city parks.   They are generally somewhat unwary. 

They have a white back, striped face, and very short bill.   The male has a red nape spot.

They forage on dried weed stalks and tree trunks, and come to feeders for suet.  Ornithologist Kenn Kaufman says the Downy: "Drums with bill on resounding dead branches like other woodpeckers".

Northern birds move south in winter. 

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BarrytheBirder