Downy Woodpecker

This small, iconic feather belongs to the Downy Woodpecker, the smallest woodpecker in North America. The bird itself is roughly 6 inches long with a straight, chisel-like bill and a white back. Males feature a small red patch on the nape. They are known for their acrobatic foraging and rapid, high-pitched whinny call.

Bold black base color with distinct, large circular white spots arranged in a row along both the inner and outer vanes.

Pennaceous through the majority of the vane for flight stability; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus.

Matte finish, relatively stiff and firm to the touch to support flight, with a smooth surface typical of the Picidae family.

Small size, stark black and white spotted pattern, and rounded tip (identifying it as a secondary wing feather).

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlots, orchards, parks, and suburban backyards with mature trees.

Resident throughout North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada southward to the Gulf Coast and Florida. Non-migratory.

Insectivore and primary cavity nester; they control wood-boring beetle populations and provide nesting holes for other birds and squirrels.

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) feathers are nearly identical in pattern but significantly larger, typically 2.5 to 3.5 inches for the same placement.

Downy Woodpeckers participate in 'mixed-species flocks' in winter, traveling with Chickadees and Titmice to increase foraging efficiency and predator detection.

Good condition; the barbs are well-aligned with very little fraying or environmental staining. Small amount of downy fluff at the base is intact.