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: Large hopper, platform feeder, small hopper

Feeder Tips: Hanging a 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