Picoides pubescens
(Downy Woodpecker)

Physical Description:
6-7" (15-18 cm). A smaller version of the Hairy Woodpecker, with bill proportionately shorter. Black-and-white-striped head and checkered wings; white belly, breast, and central back. Male has small red patch on nape.

Similar Species- Hairy Woodpecker

Song:
Call is a swift, flat, high-pitched pik, not as sharp as the Hairy's peek!; also gives a rapid whinny of notes, descending in pitch: ki-ki-ki-ki-ki.

Distribution:
Breeds from western and central Alaska, east across portions of Canada to Newfoundland, and south to southern California, central Texas, Gulf Coast, and southern Florida. Winters throughout breeding range, but more northern populations are mostly migratory, occurring irregularly southward.

Habitat:
Found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, second growth, parks, orchards, swamps, and riparian woodlands.

Diet:
Eats mostly insects (adults, larvae, pupae, and eggs), but will also eat berries and nuts.

Ecology:
Nests in cavity in standing snag. Constructs new nesting cavity yearly. Forages on bark of tree.

Both sexes incubate 3- 7 eggs (usually 4-5), for 12 days. Young leave nest at 20-22 days, and are dependent on parents for food for 3 more wk. Female may produce 2 broods/yr in southern range.

Conservation:

Element Code:	ABNYF07030
Status:	Protected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S5
National Rank:	N5

Important State References:
No references are available at this time.