Downy Woodpecker 3
by Deena Stoddard
Title
Downy Woodpecker 3
Artist
Deena Stoddard
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Downy Woodpeckers are small versions of the classic woodpecker body plan. They have a straight, chisel-like bill, blocky head, wide shoulders, and straight-backed posture as they lean away from tree limbs and onto their tail feathers. The bill tends to look smaller for the bird's size than in other woodpeckers. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head.
Downy Woodpeckers hitch around tree limbs and trunks or drop into tall weeds to feed on galls, moving more acrobatically than larger woodpeckers. Their rising-and-falling flight style is distinctive of many woodpeckers. In spring and summer, they make lots of noise, both with their shrill whinnying call and by drumming on trees.
You'll find Downy Woodpeckers in open woodlands, particularly among deciduous trees, and brushy or weedy edges. They're also at home in orchards, city parks, backyards and vacant lots. This male specimen was captured in rural southwest Missouri.
All images © 2011-2020 Deena Stoddard ~ All Rights Reserved
Uploaded
January 26th, 2014
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