#dryobates

[herpsandbirds]

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), male, family Picidae, order Piciformes, northern U.S.

The smallest species of woodpecker in the US and Canada.

photograph by Mason Maron

[alonglistofbirds]

[2998/11080] Downy woodpecker - Dryobates pubescens

Order: Piciformes Suborder: Pici Family: Picidae (woodpeckers) Subfamily: Picinae (true woodpeckers)

Photo credit: Matt Felperin via Macaulay Library

[wildflowers-of-southern-ontario]

Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens Picidae (Woodpecker) Family

Photograph taken on May 7, 2026, at Point Pelee National Park, Leamington, Ontario, Canada.

[best-bird-tournament]

Dryobates woodpecker

Which is the best bird?

Nuttall's woodpecker

Downy woodpecker

Ladder-backed woodpecker

Lesser spotted woodpecker

Crimson-naped woodpecker

Necklaced woodpecker

Voting ended onJun 7, 2025

[haveyouseenthisbirdpoll]

Have you seen a Lesser spotted woodpecker (Dryobates minor)?

Yes, in nature

No, but I have heard one in nature

Yes, in captivity

No, but I have heard one in captivity

I might have/I'm not sure

No, I've only heard of it/seen it in photos/taxidermy/etc

No, and I have never heard of this bird

Voting ended onJan 19, 2025

Photo source

Map source

[birdblues]

Downy Woodpecker

[dendroica]

Hairy woodpecker (via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region)

The Hairy Woodpecker is very similar to its smaller counterpart, the Downy Woodpecker. But look at that enormous beak! They use it to drill directly into the trunks of trees, whereas the Downy is more often limited to the smaller branches.

Credit: Michael Schramm/USFWS

[that-crazy-scorpio-man]

Seems as though downy woodpeckers like my mom’s Rose of Sharon tree right as new leaves start appearing.