Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is a small woodpecker species native to North America. It is one of the most common woodpeckers in the United States and Canada. The bird is around 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) in length, with a black and white patterned plumage. The male has a red patch on the back of its head, while the female has a white patch. They have a short, chisel-like bill for drilling into wood to find insects and other small prey, and their stiff tail feathers provide support when clinging to vertical surfaces. Downy Woodpeckers are often found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas, and can be seen feeding on suet and other foods at bird feeders. Their call is a sharp "pik" or "tik", and they also have a drumming sound that is used to communicate with other woodpeckers.