Downy Woodpecker
Pic mineur
Picoides pubescens
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
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Species: The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is the smallest woodpecker seen in eastern North America. This black and white bird is seen over most of the continent. Although it does not necessarily migrate, it is known to move to more adaptable regions where the climate may not be as harsh. In the winter months, this woodpecker can be seen around active bird feeders where there is suet or black-oiled sunflower seeds to be had.
Distinctions: The male and female are similar in appearance, except for a red occipital patch seen on the back of the crown of the male. Both birds have bold superciliums above their eyes, large white areas from their nape to the tail feathers. Most have large white spots on their wings but not always. They have black spots on the outer white tail feathers.
Voice: Single call notes, sounding like "pik", rapid lyric-type chattering, and rapid drumming using branch stubs, utility poles and even metal objects, to define their territories.
Nesting: Four to five white eggs, one to two broods per year, depending on different regions in North America. Birds peck out their nest to form cavities in trees, for their young and for their own nighttime roosting quarters.
Life, Habitat & Pictures of the Downy Woodpecker
| B L | W W | W | Family | Latin Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.75" 17.1cm | 12" 30.5cm | 0.95oz 26.9g | Picidae | Picoides pubescens |
- Summer
- Year Around
- Winter
Distribution: Found throughout forests, parks, woodlots and towns. It is a common sight around birdfeeders during the winter months in the northern regions. It is seen from Newfoundland and Labrador to northern Alaska, down into California and across to Florida. It is not seen along the Rio Grande as it prefers a cooler and wetter climate.
References to Other Bird Sites:
These are links to websites pertaining to the different birding institutions, societies and organizations here in North America. Some of these same sites are a great asset to seeking out knowledge on birds in other regions of the world. Each of these links offer the user different methods to identify birds, whether it be by regions, habitat, appearance or maybe colour. Knowledge on the possibilities of where and what birds might be present are included.
Hinterland Who's Who Welcome to the Web site for Hinterland Who's Who It all started in 1963, with black-and-white vignettes about the loon, the moose, the gannet and the beaver. For more than 50 years, Hinterland Who’s Who has proudly been bringing Canada’s iconic wildlife directly into Canadians’ homes. Re-launched in 2003, the new series serves to rebuild the connection thousands of viewers made with wildlife through the original series. Welcome to our new website! Have a look around, and learn how you can help ensure that the wildlife remains part of what it means to be Canadian.
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
The description to follow is taken from the AOS Home Page.
AOS - The American Ornitholgy Society is an international society devoted to advancing the scientific understanding of birds, enriching ornithology as a profession, and promoting a rigorous scientific basis for the conservation of birds. As one of the world's oldest and largest ornithological societies, AOS produces scientific publications of the highest quality, hosts intellectually engaging and professionally vital meetings, serves ornithologists at every career stage, pursues a global perspective, and informs public policy on all issues important to ornithology and ornithological collections. AOS is distinguished by its tremendous collective expertise, including eminent scientists, conservation practitioners, early career innovators, and students.
ABC - American Bird Conservancy This is an organization started in Europe and is now formed in North America in the 1990's. It bases its goal on four approaches, Halt extinctions, Protect habitat, Eliminate threats and to Build capacity. One of their ways of achieving these goals, is by purchasing and leasing lands around already protected lands and creating larger safe zones for all its habitants.
eBird - TheCornellLab of Ornithology eBird is a must for any individual, who has an interest in birds. This site allows users to sign up and participate in recording birds seen on a daily basis as well as the location, for any bird species seen in the world. In addition, users can use the existing data to search out the location of bird species throughout the year. By using filters, information as to the movements can be determined. Photos can be added to identify individual birds. Migration pattern can be calculated using information by months or years as needed. Range maps can be verified, allowing the users to see where the presence of individual bird species are expected to be at certain times of the year.
NA - National Geographic The Society of National Geographic provides some of the best books available for those who have an interest in birds. The book called "The Complete Birds of North America", is a book recommended to be part of any birders library. This book covers all the native and vagrant species of birds seen on the North American Continent. It provides information on all the birds listed on the ABA bird list. This book goes into great details, describing the individual species and their races. That aside, their website provides wonderful information pertaining to many articles regarding nature.
NAC - National Audubon Society The National Audubon Society is the oldest organization in North America. It was initially formed for the preservation of egrets and herons as well as waders, who were being hunted and killed, so their feathers could be used in the clothing industry. Today, there are many chapters of the NAS all over the continent and all individual groups have a common goal, to educate the public. In doing so, creating awareness of the birds and their plights. They were the driving force in promoting the original international laws, protecting migratory birds. Today, their website has made information available on articles, images and sounds, relating to all the native birds seen in North America.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.
