Northern Illinois | 1/27/2020 11:15 am Local Time | Light Snow 30°F Light Winds
In Search of Snowbirds | Female Downy Woodpecker The Downy Woodpecker is smallest woodpecker in North America. These small birds dart around quickly. They don’t sit still for very long. This images shows their relative size against the tree.
The Back Story This image was a simple click along my usual trail through the wood. Just before a crossing over a small stream, this woodpecker was going up a tree truck. Always keep the camera ready to make that simple click.
Quick Facts…
| Female Downy Woodpecker … checkered black-and-white, head striped. Males red patch on of head. | |
| Habitat | Forests, woodlots, willows, river groves, orchards, shade trees, etc. favors deciduous trees. |
| Range | Year around in Northern Illinois |
| Nest | Nest is a cavity in dead limb or dead tree. |
| Diet | Mostly insects. Beetles, ants, caterpillars, etc. Also eats seeds and berries. Seeds at bird feeders. |
| Behavior | Forages on trunks and major limbs of trees as well as minor branches and twigs. |
| Size | Length: 5.5-6.7 in | Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz | Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in |
