![]() ![]() It extracts the gall fly larvae from goldenrod galls, using the exit tube formed by the larvae. Interesting Facts: Being the smallest woodpecker in its range, the Downy takes advantage of food sources other woodpeckers cannot, such as galls found on leaves. Habitat: The Downy is found near or in woods, river groves, orchards, and shade trees, and it is a common visitor of bird feeders ![]() The downy has a shorter bill relative to the size of its head, which is, other than size and voice, the best way to distinguish. It is virtually identical in plumage to the smaller downy woodpecker. In the East, this is the work of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, an enterprising woodpecker that laps up the leaking sap and any trapped insects with its specialized, brush-tipped tongue. ![]() Wearing remarkably similar patterns, hairy and downy woodpecker males both have a red spot on the back of the head, unlike the females shown above. On a walk through the forest you might spot rows of shallow holes in tree bark. Range: The Downy Woodpecker can be found throughout the continental United States The hairy woodpecker measures from 1826 cm (7.110.2 in) in length, 3343 cm (1317 in) in wingspan and 4095 g (1.43.4 oz) in weight. The two woodpeckers live side by side throughout most of North America, but the downy is a more frequent backyard visitor. Similiar Species: The Hairy Woodpecker is noticeably larger, has a longer bill, and lacks spotted outer tail feathers. It lives in a variety of habitats from wilderness forests to urban backyards, and comes readily to bird feeders. Often confused with the Hairy Woodpecker, it can be distinguished by its smaller bill size and spotted outer tail feathers. Range / Habitat: The most common American woodpecker, the Downy Woodpecker is found throughout most of North America from Alaska to Florida. In South Dakota, riparian areas with riparian forest cover are a favored habitats. They are primarily found in deciduous woodlands and forests, often around forest clearings and edges. A white back and white underparts and black wings that have white spots. A frequent visitor to backyard feeding stations where it is more tolerant of humans than the Hairy Woodpecker. About 6-7 inches long and about 2 inches shorter than the look-alike Hairy woodpecker. The Downy Woodpecker is America’s smallest and most common woodpecker. Habitat: Downy Woodpeckers can be found in a very wide array of habitats, where suitable trees are available for nesting cavities. The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest of our woodpeckers. ![]()
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