Like their larger relative, the Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpeckers can be found in mature deciduous and mixed broadleaf forests throughout most of North America. Downy Woodpeckers are common in suburban areas as well. You are likely to see them using their sharp and powerful beaks to probe tree bark for insects.

It’s easy to confuse Downy Woodpeckers with their larger relative, the Hairy Woodpecker. Both species have black wings with crisp white spots, white undersides, large white patches down their backs, and black and white-streaked heads. Males have red patches on the back of their heads.

But there are several noteworthy differences between the two species. Downy Woodpeckers are significantly smaller; in fact, they are the smallest Woodpeckers in North America. While Hairy Woodpeckers have beaks nearly as long as their heads, Downys’ beaks are proportionally smaller. And while Downy Woodpeckers have black spots on their white outer tail feathers, Hairys do not.

Downy Woodpeckers are the most commonly-captured woodpecker at Creamer’s Field Migration Station. We have recorded over 150 captures of the species since 1992. Relative to most of our small songbirds, woodpeckers tend to have a relatively feisty temperament in hand!