• The adults are mostly black on the upper parts and wings. They have a white back, throat and chest with white spots on the wings. Above and below their eyes they have a white bar. The Downy Woodpecker’s tail is black with white outer feathers barred with black. The males have a red patch on the back of their heads and the female has a black patch.

• Downy Woodpeckers are found throughout North America, from Alaska to Florida and are generally year round residents. They can be found in open deciduous woodlands as well as urban backyards.

• They forage in trees but, while their diet is mainly insects, they also eat seeds and fruits. They will feed on seeds and suet in backyard feeders.

• Nests are made in tree cavities and 3 to 8 white eggs are laid. These eggs hatch in about 12 days and the chicks fledge in 18-21 days.

• The conservation status of the Downy Woodpecker is considered widespread and abundant.