Downy Woodpecker

woodpeckers · tiny birds · forest dwellers

Smallest woodpecker. The downy woodpecker is the tiniest woodpecker in North America, measuring only 14 to 18 centimeters long. That's about the size of a sparrow.

Lives in forests. You can find downy woodpeckers throughout the United States and Canada in forested areas. They skip the hot southwestern deserts and the frozen northern tundra where it's too extreme.

Cavity nesters. Downy woodpeckers make their homes by nesting in tree cavities, carving out cozy spots in the wood where they can raise their families safely.

Bug hunters. These tiny birds mostly eat insects they find by pecking and poking around in tree bark. They also snack on seeds and berries when insects are hard to find.

Looks like hairy woodpeckers. The downy woodpecker looks very similar to the hairy woodpecker, but they are actually not closely related. Many people mix them up because they're so alike.