The downy woodpecker is one of my favorite birds to watch.
The pictures are from a variety of days. Some of the comments are from the internet (in italics) others are mine.
The downy can produce many vocal sounds as well as the drumming noise it makes with its beak when it pecks trees.
Downy woodpeckers love sunflower seeds.
Making a hole in the tree for a nest takes about 2 weeks.
I liked how this one used his tail for balance.
While birdwatching the other day I was amused at this squirrel and the crow in the following picture. I think they were chatting. 🙂
Earlier today, I checked my photo file to see what I would be posting this evening. When I noticed that the downy was up next, I moved the files to my “today” file. Consequently I was pleased to see one this afternoon. It is so windy today, so maybe he liked the one closest to the house. 🙂 I don’t often see them at this feeder – they often go for the hanging suet.
The woodpecker pair only has one brood a year.
Downy woodpeckers forage on trees for food.
The males have a red patch on the back of their heads. The females do not.
Male downys tend to feed on smaller tree branches, while females tend to feed on the larger branches.
Predators include mainly birds of prey, but also rats and cats in urban areas. The eggs of a woodpecker can be attacked by snakes and squirrels.
Downy woodpeckers are monogamous, which means the same pair stays and mates with each other for years.