Physical Traits: Most common and widespread of North American Woodpeckers; black and white; males have red spot on back of head. Downies look like Hairy Woodpeckers except the bird and bill is smaller than the Hairy.

Habitat: They nest in holes of dead trees and communicate by drumming rapid tapping on hollow branches. You will observe them searching bark or rotten wood for insects. It commonly visits the feeder and feeds on suet, nuts, fruits, and corn.

Recommended Feeder: Lyric Woodpecker Feeder

Feeder Tips: Selectively limit your feeding site for optimal pleasure by offering the food in a Lyric Woodpecker Feeder. This cedar feeder is uniquely designed so that only the woodpeckers' and nuthatches' long bills and tongues can get the bits of food. We suggest smearing some suet or peanut butter on the cedar and in the holes to attract the bird and help it identify the food source. Hanging the feeder from a tree branch or close to a tree trunk is optimal. Squirrel baffles are always recommended.

States and Regions Found: Downies are in Alaska and Canada and throughout the United States