06/01/2026
One of the most charming birds you can spot in your feeders is the smallest woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker. With their striking black-and-white patterned backs and wings, bright white belly, and the small red patch on the back of the males’ heads, these delightful birds add both beauty and personality to the backyard. They are often confused with the slightly larger Hairy Woodpecker, but one of the easiest ways to tell them apart is by their beak. A Downy Woodpecker’s beak is noticeably shorter and smaller than a Hairy Woodpecker’s.
Downy Woodpeckers communicate mostly by drumming on trees, especially during the breeding season, but they also make a sharp “pik” call and a soft descending rattle sound. Their energetic movements and constant tapping make them fun birds to watch and listen to throughout the year.
A Downy Woodpecker pair works together to excavate a nesting cavity in a dead tree, a process that usually takes one to three weeks. Once the cavity is complete, they line it with soft wood chips before the female lays 3–8 tiny white eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 12 days, and the young birds typically fledge around three weeks after hatching. Most Downy Woodpecker pairs raise just one brood each year.
Downy Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects such as larvae, ants, and other small pest insects, which they find by pecking into tree bark, branches, weeds, and flowers. They also eat some plant material, including seeds, nuts, and berries. In backyard settings, they are frequent visitors to feeders that offer sunflower seeds, peanuts, and any kind of suet. Occasionally, they may even stop by for a quick sip of hummingbird nectar!
If you’d like to attract these sweet little woodpeckers to your yard, offering the right food and habitat can make all the difference. A high-protein seed blend with all their favorite seeds (Gerry’s blend is a great choice!) and any kind of suet cake or ball are excellent choices for encouraging regular visits. Our spreadable suet, called tree icing, is another favorite food for them. With a welcoming backyard setup, Downy Woodpeckers can become some of the most entertaining and dependable visitors to your feeders all year long.
