Downy Woodpecker
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Piciformes, Family: Picidae, Genus: Dryobates, Species: D. pubescens
Family: Picidae (Woodpeckers and allies)
- Shape
- Symmetrical outline with a rounded tip, becoming very broad and bushy at the base.
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in length, consistent with small body contour feathers for Woodpeckers.
- Rarity
- Very Common; one of the most widespread and frequently seen woodpeckers in North America.
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Description
A small feather from North America's smallest woodpecker. Downy Woodpeckers are known for their black and white spotted wings and white backs.
Colour & Pattern
Distinctive black and white banding (barring) on the pennaceous tip, with a slate grey downy base.
Barb Structure
Transition from pennaceous (interlocked) at the tip to highly plumulaceous (downy and fluffy) at the base.
Texture & Surface
Silky and soft; the patterned tip is somewhat smooth tandis that the base is extremely airy and matte.
Key Features
Contrast of bold black and white bars on a small contour feather with a large, fluffy downy base.
Habitat
Found in deciduous forests, woodlots, orchards, parks, and suburban backyards with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada through the United States to Florida.
Ecological Role
Primary cavity nester and insectivore; they help control wood-boring beetle populations and create homes for other species.
Similar Species
Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus) feathers are nearly identical but generally larger; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker feathers are also similar.
Interesting Facts
Despite their small size, they are tough birds that often lead mixed-species foraging flocks in the winter.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows some separation of the barbs at the tip (fraying) and slight compression of the downy portion.