Downy Woodpecker
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Dryobates, Species: D. pubescens · Picidae (Woodpeckers, Sapsuckers, and Flickers) · Flight feather (Specifically a Primary Wing Feather)
Species
Dryobates pubescens
Feather Type
Flight feather (Specifically a Primary Wing Feather)
Family
Picidae (Woodpeckers, Sapsuckers, and Flickers)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical, elongated with a slightly rounded tip and characteristic narrowing on the leading vane.
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. This is consistent with the primary flight feathers of North America's smallest woodpecker.
Rarity
Very Common; it is one of the most frequently seen and abundant woodpeckers in North America.
Color & Pattern
Deep black or dark charcoal base with distinctive, bold white oval spotting or 'windows' along both the trailing and leading vanes.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked and pennaceous throughout most of the vane to provide aerodynamic lift, with a small plumulaceous section at the very base near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, stiff, and glossy on the dorsal surface; the vane is quite rigid to withstand the pressures of flight and the bird's vertical lifestyle.
Description
This feather belongs to the Downy Woodpecker, a small bird with a black-and-white checkered pattern and a white back. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head. It is known for its acrobatic foraging and rapid 'whinny' call.
Key Features
Small size, deep black base color, and large, distinct white oval spots arranged in a row-like fashion.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, open woodlands, orchards, city parks, and suburban backyards with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada south through the United States into parts of Mexico.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is slight separation in the barbs toward the bottom (trailing edge), possibly from natural wear or the molting process.
Interesting Facts
Despite their small size, they are tough birds that can hammer into wood with great force; they often follow mixed foraging flocks of chickadees and nuthatches in winter.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester; they create holes that are used by many other bird species. They also consume large quantities of wood-boring insects and tree pests.
Similar Species
Hairy Woodpecker feathers are nearly identical in pattern but are significantly larger (4-6 inches for primaries).