Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

Year-round in CharlotteCommon

The take

The smallest woodpecker on the list, and the most likely one on your suet cage.

How to ID it

  • Small woodpecker with a straight chisel-like bill that looks small for a woodpecker
  • Checkered black-and-white with a boldly striped head and a broad white stripe down the back; male has a small red nape patch
  • Moves acrobatically on limbs and even tall weeds; shrill whinnying call and undulating flight

Field marks at a glance

Size
small
Head
black-and-white striped, red nape spot (male)
Call
shrill descending whinny

Where & when

Year-round in Charlotte

Learn more

Sources