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Downy Woodpecker -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 6.5 - 7 inches | Wingspan: 11 - 12 inches | Seasonality: All seasons |
| ID Keys: Small size, short stubby bill, black spots on white outer feathers of tail, relatively quiet call. Males have a red patch on the back of their heads. | ||
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Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
The Downy is the smallest Woodpecker in North America. It's found in residential areas and parks throughout the state, and very readily will forage at home feeders. Note the very similar markings of the Hairy Woodpecker, which has a larger size and longer bill.
Habitat: Woodlands, River groves, orchards, residential trees.
Diet: Mostly insects. Also eats seeds and berries, as well as nuts and suet at feeders.
Nesting: May through July.
Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map
Song: Downy Woodpecker Call
Migration: Non-migratory
Feeders: Sunflower seeds, nuts, peanut butter, suet.
Similar Species: Hairy Woodpecker. See Comparison Chart.
South Dakota "Hotspot": Your own feeder! A very common visitor setups, Will readily come for suet, nuts, or sunflower seeds.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Downy Woodpecker
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Downy Woodpecker"
3) E-nature.com: Downy Woodpecker
Photo Information: May 22nd, 2004 -- Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Downy Woodpecker photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
