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Downy Woodpecker, Female

The downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is the smallest woodpecker species in North America and one of the most familiar visitors to backyard feeders across the United States and Canada. These birds thrive in a wide range of wooded habitats—forests, parks, orchards, and suburban neighborhoods—and are especially fond of suet feeders. They are year‑round residents throughout most of their range, making them a common sight even in winter. Birdfact Downy woodpeckers are easily recognized by their compact size, short bill, and striking black‑and‑white plumage. Their backs are white, their wings are checkered with black and white spots, and their faces show crisp black‑and‑white striping. They forage by tapping and probing along tree trunks and branches, searching for insects, larvae, and other small invertebrates. Male vs. Female Appearance The most reliable way to distinguish a male downy woodpecker from a female is by looking at the back of the head: • Male: Displays a bright red patch (red nape bar) on the back of the head. • Female: Lacks the red patch, showing only black‑and‑white head striping. This difference is consistent across the species’ range. Both sexes share the same overall size and plumage pattern, so the red nape marking is the key field mark birders rely on. Some behavioral tendencies differ slightly—females are sometimes observed foraging more on larger trunks while males may explore smaller branches—but the head marking remains the clearest visual cue. Sources • Birdfact – Female Downy Woodpeckers (Identification Guide: Male vs Female) Birdfact • Institute for Environmental Research and Education – How do you tell the difference between a male and female Downy Woodpecker? iere.org • Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Downy Woodpecker Identification All About Birds • Audubon Field Guide – Downy Woodpecker Audubon • New to Birding – Downy Woodpecker Female vs Male: Spot the Difference newtobirding... https://hoosierbird.com/ @hoosier_bird #Bird Watching #Bird Calls #Bird Songs #Bird Photography #Nature Photography #Birding #Nature Photography