downy woodpecker

The downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a small, black-and-white woodpecker native to North America. It is distinguished by its white back and is smaller than the hairy woodpecker. Woodpeckers, as a family, are known for their ability to excavate tree bark for insects and to chisel nest holes in deadwood. They are found nearly worldwide, with the exception of Australia and New Guinea, and are most numerous in South America and Southeast Asia. While most woodpeckers are non-migratory, some species in temperate regions do migrate. The downy woodpecker inhabits woodlands and gardens in temperate North America.12