The cavity is generally 8-12 inches deep and takes the pair 13-20 days to excavate.Įggs and Incubation: Between 3-6 eggs are laid (although normally 4-5). Nesting: Downy Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, utilizing a dead tree to excavate a cavity. If you see a small black and white woodpecker on a low bush it is a Downy Woodpecker.īreeding Season: The breeding season begins in early April in the southern United States and up to late May in the northern portion of its range – waiting for spring, just like us. They can also be frequently found in urban areas as a popular presence at a bird feeder or within city parks, backyards, and vacant wooded lots. The Downy is generally found in open woodlands (especially deciduous trees – think Aspen and Birch – and brushy or weedy edges). Preferred Habitat: The habitat preferences of the Downy Woodpecker are less specialized than that of the Hairy Woodpecker. Downy Woodpeckers pair-bond and are considered monogamous, however, during the non-breeding season, the pair may live alone. In Homer, you want to search for the Downy Woodpecker in forested areas – after all, woodpeckers like trees, but remember, don’t ignore the small branches on bushes for the Downy.Ĭharacteristics: Both male and female of the species are black and white, however, the male is distinguished from the female with the presence of a red patch on the back of its head. The Downy Woodpecker can be found and enjoyed in every state. The Hairy Woodpecker has a longer, sharper bill, and lacks the black spots on the white outer tail feathers that are found on the Downy. In comparison, the Hairy Woodpecker, which is most often confused with the Downy Woodpecker, and can also be found in the Homer Area, weighs in at around 2.3 to 2.5 ounces, and measures 9.25 inches in length. The Downy Woodpecker ( Picoides pubescens) is the smallest North American woodpecker, weighing in at around 1.0 ounce (yes, that’s right – ounce), and only 6.75 inches in length. ![]() (Picoides pubescens) Male Downy Woodpecker (Photo by Robin Edwards) Female Downy Woodpecker (Photo by MIchelle Michaud) ![]() Each month we will be presenting a different bird species.
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