This male Downy Woodpecker was photographed at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The female Downy Woodpecker was photographed at the Estabrook Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpeckers are checkered and spotted with black and white, and a white back, breast and undersides. The male has a small red patch on the back of the head. The Hairy Woodpecker is larger in size than the Downy. The Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are the only Woodpeckers with a white back. It has a range from Alaska and Canada to South United States. It has a habitat of forests, woodlots, willows, river groves, orchards, and shade trees. It feeds mostly on insects, and seeds and suet at bird feeders.
This is the smallest of the woodpeckers in North America. It is common and widespread, however avoids the arid southwest states. It is familiar to urban areas and parks and feeds on weed stalks, bird feeders, and large trees.
Photos of Birds by Common Name by Sid Hamm 