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| Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) |
A bird slightly longer than the suet cage identifies a
Downy Woodpecker (
Picoides pubescens). The very similar Hairy Woodpecker is about 2 inches larger. I have caught him before, but until now, always with his back to the camera. At least we get a good look at his red mark. Females lack the red mark on the back of the head:
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| Female Downy Woodpecker with a Trio of Juncos |
Downies are North America's smallest woodpeckers. Nevertheless, in their black and white garb, they are also among the handsomest of birds. I have never seen more than one at a time, but if you encounter a group, call it a "descent," "drumming" or a "gatling" of woodpeckers according to iBird. Here on South Fidalgo, they are common visitors at the feeders in fall and winter.
