The Downy Woodpecker is a small bird that belongs to the Picidae family. This bird is incredibly common, and many bird enthusiasts enjoy observing them in their natural habitat. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Downy Woodpecker.
**Basic Description**
The Downy Woodpecker is one of the smallest woodpeckers in North America, with an average length of 5-6 inches and a wingspan of approximately 9 inches. They have black and white feathers on their back, wings, and tail with a distinctive red patch on the back of their head. Males also have a small red mark at the base of their bill.
**Where To Find This Bird**
Downy woodpeckers can be found throughout Canada and most parts of North America, making them easily accessible for observation by many people interested in birds.
**Habitat**
The Downy Woodpecker prefers forested areas but can also be found in suburban areas where trees are present. They often nest in dead or dying trees or branches using excavated holes as nests.
**Food**
This species feed primarily on insects such as ants and beetle larvae that they extract from tree bark by drilling holes into it using their bills. The Downy woodpecker may also consume fruits, nuts or seeds when these resources become more abundant during certain times of year.
**Cool Facts**
• The Downey woodpecker’s tongue wraps around its skull which acts like a shock absorber while pecking.
• Compared to other woodpeckers’ skulls which are specialized for digging deep into trees for food sources,
the skull of downey woodoacker has evolved over time so that it doesn’t damage itself while feeding.
• These birds communicate through drumming sound patterns made by tapping into hollow surfaces
• Among all species under Picidae family,
the downey woodpecker is the most common woodpecker in North America.
In conclusion, the Downy Woodpecker is an interesting bird that can be found throughout North America. Its small size and distinctive markings make it easy to spot while out observing birds. They primarily feed on insects extracted from tree bark using their bills and communicate through drumming sounds. This species’ unique skull has evolved over time to better accommodate its feeding patterns without causing damage to itself- definitely a fascinating example of nature at work!
