10/5/2023 0 Comments Downy woodpecker classInternational Union for Conservation of Nature. In winter, especially, Downy Woodpeckers can often be found in suburban backyards with trees and will feed on suet at birdfeeders. They mainly eat insects, also seeds and berries. Downy Woodpeckers roost in tree cavities in the winter.ĭowny Woodpeckers forage on trees, picking the bark surface in summer and digging deeper in winter. Northern birds may migrate further south birds in mountainous areas may move to lower elevations. These birds are mostly permanent residents. They nest in a tree cavity excavated by the nesting pair in a dead tree or limb. Their breeding habitat is forested areas, mainly deciduous, across most of North America to Central America. Why they evolved this way cannot be explained with confidence it may be relevant that the species exploit rather different-sized foodstuffs and do not compete very much ecologically. Taxonomyĭespite their close resemblance, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are not very closely related, and they are likely to be separated in different genera the outward similarity is a spectacular example of convergent evolution. Compared to other North American species its drums are slow. Like other woodpeckers, it also produces a drumming sound with its beak as it pecks into trees. The Downy Woodpecker gives a number of vocalizations, including a short pik call. The Downy Woodpecker is virtually identical in plumage pattern to the much larger Hairy Woodpecker, but it can be distinguished from the Hairy by the presence of black spots on its white tail feathers. Adult males have a red patch on the back of the head whereas juvenile birds display a red cap. They have a black tail with white outer feathers barred with black. There is a white bar above the eye and one below.
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