Downies are the smallest woodpecker in North America — a foot-tall bird that can weigh less than an ounce.
They're famously tame at feeders, often the first new species to discover a backyard suet block.
Males and females forage on different parts of the tree to reduce competition: males on small twigs and weeds, females on larger branches.
Downies are some of the easiest woodpeckers to attract — suet and a yard with a few mature trees usually does it.
Suet (any kind), peanut butter, sunflower hearts. They visit feeders frequently year-round.
Mount a 1¼" hole nest box 6–20 ft up on a tree trunk or pole. They prefer dead snag locations.
Mature trees with rough bark; weedy borders supply insects and seeds.
Bird bath; not picky.
Don't remove all dead branches and snags — Downies forage on dead wood.
A widespread non-migratory woodpecker found across forested North America from Alaska to Florida.
Year-round residents throughout, especially common in deciduous forest.
Common throughout most of the country, north to the southern Yukon and Alaska.
Mature deciduous and mixed forest, suburban yards with shade trees, orchards, parks. They favor smaller-diameter trees and weed stems.
Body sized to 4"×4" floor. The 1¼" panel locks out larger nest competitors while letting the Downy Woodpecker pass cleanly.
See the full lineupWill use a roost box in winter — each bird claims its own cavity. Pack with shavings.