This Week’s Bird: Downy woodpecker

Downy woodpecker by Chris Bosak (copyright)

This Week’s Bird is the downy woodpecker. It is our smallest woodpecker and most common. They delight backyard feeder watchers by clinging to suet cake cages for long periods of time. They will also take seeds from feeders as well.

But they are not confined to backyards. A walk just about anywhere in New England may yield a downy woodpecker sighting. The closely resemble hairy woodpeckers, but downys are smaller and have a much smaller bill. In both species, the male sports a small red patch on its head.

Have a downy woodpecker story to share? Drop me a line at “contact me” above. As always, thanks for your support of Bird Calls Radio.

About birdcallsradio

Host of Bird Calls radio, which airs 1 to 2 p.m. Sundays on WGCH AM1490 or www.wgch.com. Birdwatching columnist for The Hour newspaper (Norwalk) and The Keene (NH) Sentinel. Particular soft spot for northern New Hampshire wildlife, such as moose and loons. Advocate for wildlife. Nature photographer. Co-managing editor of The Hour.
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