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The downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America.Length ranges from 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in). Downy woodpeckers primarily live in forested areas throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra.
The genus Dryobates was named by the German naturalist Friedrich Boie in 1826 with the downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) as the type species. [1]The genus name Dryobates is from the Greek compound word δρυο-βάτης : 'woodland walker'; from δρῦς : drus (genitive δρυός : dryós) meaning woodland and -βάτης : -bátēs meaning walker. [2]
Lewis's woodpecker: Melanerpes lewis (Gray, GR, 1849) 35 Guadeloupe woodpecker: Melanerpes herminieri (Lesson, RP, 1830) 36 Puerto Rican woodpecker: Melanerpes portoricensis (Daudin, 1803) 37 Red-headed woodpecker: Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) 38 Acorn woodpecker: Melanerpes formicivorus (Swainson, 1827) 39 Yellow-tufted woodpecker
A downy woodpecker in a pear tree in early spring. The downy woodpecker is a bit smaller and has a shorter beak than the similarly patterned hairy woodpecker. Island Packet Staff photo
Choose from an Eastern Bluebird, a Downy Woodpecker, a Baltimore Oriole, and a Brown-headed Cowbird. Kansas is the perfect opportunity to add some breadth to your birding journal. 21.
The red-cockaded woodpecker is small- to mid-sized species, being intermediate in size between North America's two most widespread woodpeckers (the downy and hairy woodpeckers). This species measures 18–23 cm (7.1–9.1 in) in length, spans 34–41 cm (13–16 in) across the wings and weighs 40–56 g (1.4–2.0 oz).
Woodpeckers also excavate nest holes in residential and commercial structures and wooden utility poles. [38] Woodpeckers and piculets excavate their own nests, but wrynecks do not, and need to find pre-existing cavities. A typical nest has a round entrance hole that just fits the bird, leading to an enlarged vertical chamber below.
Even mammals such as raccoons may use them. Other woodpeckers and smaller birds, such as wrens, may be attracted to pileated holes to feed on the insects found in them. Ecologically, the entire woodpecker family is important to the well-being of many other bird species. The pileated woodpecker also nests in boxes about 4.6 m (15 ft) off the ground.