Woodpeckers
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America. Length ranges from 14 to 18 cm.
Small black-and-white woodpecker with a short bill; males have a red patch on the back of the head.
- Scientific name
- Dryobates pubescens
- Group
- Woodpeckers
- Main color
- Black & white
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
The total length of the species ranges from 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in) and the wingspan from 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12.2 in).
Diet
Downy woodpeckers forage on trees, picking the bark surface in summer and digging deeper in winter.
Range and habitat
Their range consists of most of the United States and Canada, except for the deserts of the southwest and the tundra of the north.
Voice
The downy woodpecker gives a number of vocalizations, including a short pik call.
More photos
Downy Woodpecker FAQ
How big is the Downy Woodpecker?
The total length of the species ranges from 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in) and the wingspan from 25 to 31 cm (9.8 to 12.2 in).
What does the Downy Woodpecker eat?
Downy woodpeckers forage on trees, picking the bark surface in summer and digging deeper in winter.
How do I identify a Downy Woodpecker?
Small black-and-white woodpecker with a short bill; males have a red patch on the back of the head.
Where does the Downy Woodpecker live?
Their range consists of most of the United States and Canada, except for the deserts of the southwest and the tundra of the north.
Is the Downy Woodpecker endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Downy Woodpecker as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Downy Woodpecker (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.