Downy Woodpecker
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Cavity Nester ⌀ 1.25" Small

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

The smallest North American woodpecker, only sparrow-sized, in crisp black-and-white plumage with a red nape patch on males. Over half its diet is insects, and it's a year-round feeder regular.

IUCN Red List
Least Concern

Widespread and abundant; no known immediate threats to the population.

Floor
4" × 4"
Interior height
8"
Entrance hole
⌀ 1.25"
Mount height
6–20 ft
Breeds
Apr–Jun
Broods / yr
1
Cool Facts

Things you didn't know about the Downy Woodpecker

01

Downies are the smallest woodpecker in North America. A foot-tall bird that can weigh less than an ounce.

02

They're famously tame at feeders, often the first new species to discover a backyard suet block.

03

Males and females forage on different parts of the tree to reduce competition: males on small twigs and weeds, females on larger branches.

Attract Them

How to bring the Downy Woodpecker to your yard

Downies are some of the easiest woodpeckers to attract, suet and a yard with a few mature trees usually does it.

Food

Suet (any kind), peanut butter, sunflower hearts. They visit feeders frequently year-round.

Box placement

Mount a 1¼" hole nest box 6–20 ft up on a tree trunk or pole. They prefer dead snag locations.

Cover & landscaping

Mature trees with rough bark; weedy borders supply insects and seeds.

Water

Bird bath; not picky.

Avoid

Don't remove all dead branches and snags, Downies forage on dead wood.

Range & Habitat

Where you'll find them

A widespread non-migratory woodpecker found across forested North America from Alaska to Florida.

By region
  • Continental US

    Year-round residents throughout, especially common in deciduous forest.

  • Canada & Alaska

    Common throughout most of the country, north to the southern Yukon and Alaska.

Habitat preferences

Mature deciduous and mixed forest, suburban yards with shade trees, orchards, parks. They favor smaller-diameter trees and weed stems.

woodlands parks orchards
10-year local observation heatmap. Click a season above to isolate one band.
Fledgemade Kit

The right house for the Downy Woodpecker

Size S

Small body + 1¼" panel

Body sized to 4"×4" floor. The 1¼" panel locks out larger nest competitors while letting the Downy Woodpecker pass cleanly.

Multi-color presets
Color
Entrance hole size
$39
Customize colors - +$5
Seasonal Care

When to install. When to clean.

Install by
By March
Cleaning
September–October
Winter use
Yes, overnight roosts

Will use a roost box in winter. Each bird claims its own cavity. Pack with shavings.