Calls
- Pik, whinny, and drum
Recorded by William W. H. Gunn; Geoffrey A. Keller
- Pik note and whinny call
Recorded by Wilbur L. Hershberger
Maryland March 2000
- Distress call (captive bird)
Recorded by Margery R. Plymire
Maine August 1981
Courtesy of Macaulay Library
© Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The Downy Woodpecker’s whinnying call, made by both sexes, is a typical sound of deciduous forests during the breeding season. It’s a somewhat excited string of hoarse, high-pitched notes that descend in pitch toward the end; the call lasts about 2 seconds. Excited birds also give a very sharp pik note, occasionally repeated several times.
Other
Both sexes drum on trees to claim territories, attract mates, and signal readiness for mating. The drumming is made up of very rapid strikes given at a steady pace, almost fast enough to blend into a single uninterrupted sound. The birds also make a slow, deliberate and much quieter tapping as they excavate, and this can attract a mate to the site. Excited Downy Woodpeckers may also produce a “wing ruffle” sound in flight.
Backyard Tips
Where they occur, Downy Woodpeckers are the most likely woodpecker species to visit a backyard bird feeder. They prefer suet feeders, but are also fond of black oil sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, and chunky peanut butter. Occasionally, Downy woodpeckers will drink from oriole and hummingbird feeders as well.
Find This Bird
Look for Downy Woodpeckers in woodlots, residential areas, and city parks. Be sure to listen for the characteristic high-pitched pik note and the descending whinny call. In flight, look for a small black and white bird with an undulating flight path. During winter, check mixed-species flocks and don’t overlook Downy Woodpeckers among the nuthatches and chickadees – Downy Woodpeckers aren’t much larger than White-breasted Nuthatches.
Get Involved
Keep track of the Downy Woodpeckers at your feeder with Project FeederWatch
If you see Downy Woodpeckers in your yard, report your observations to My Yard eBird
Knock on Wood: Scientists show what works – and what doesn’t – to stop woodpeckers from pounding on homes
You Might Also Like
Tricky ID: Downy and Hairy woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker from Bent's Life Histories of North American Birds (1939)