Downy Woodpecker Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Downy Woodpeckers are small versions of the classic woodpecker body plan. They have a straight, chisel-like bill, blocky head, wide shoulders, and straight-backed posture as they lean away from tree limbs and onto their tail feathers. The bill tends to look smaller for the bird’s size than in other woodpeckers.

  Relative Size

  About two-thirds the size of a Hairy Woodpecker

  between sparrow and robin

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
    • Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (21-28 g)
    • Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)

  © Doug Swartz / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Downy Woodpeckers give a checkered black-and-white impression. The black upperparts are checked with white on the wings, the head is boldly striped, and the back has a broad white stripe down the center. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head. The outer tail feathers are typically white with a few black spots.

• Behavior

  Downy Woodpeckers hitch around tree limbs and trunks or drop into tall weeds to feed on galls, moving more acrobatically than larger woodpeckers. Their rising-and-falling flight style is distinctive of many woodpeckers. In spring and summer, Downy Woodpeckers make lots of noise, both with their shrill whinnying call and by drumming on trees.
• Habitat

  You’ll find Downy Woodpeckers in open woodlands, particularly among deciduous trees, and brushy or weedy edges. They’re also at home in orchards, city parks, backyards and vacant lots.

Regional Differences

Downy Woodpeckers in the West are darker overall, and they tend to have less white in the wings than birds from eastern North America. Pacific Northwest have a dusky wash overall.

Regional Photos

© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryRhode Island, February 02, 2017

© Doug Swartz / Macaulay LibraryColorado, May 15, 2017

© Grace Oliver / Macaulay LibraryWashington, February 05, 2017

© John F. Gatchet / Macaulay LibraryWashington, March 08, 2017

© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryColorado, January 10, 2016