Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens. Common and widespread throughout North America, often found in any wooded habitat. The Downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America at less than seven inches. Eats mainly insects but also seeds, berries, and suet. Like many other woodpeckers, males are distinguished by having a red patch on the nape. Most woodpeckers are sexually dimorphic with the males having more red than the female. The Downy woodpecker is most similar to the Hairy woodpecker, differences in size (2.5 in. larger), a larger beak, plumage pattern details, louder call, and habitat preference (Hairy’s prefer mature woods). Both species exhibit regional latitudinal polymorphism.
Another research project I have been working on involves the Downy Woodpecker. I am interested in studying the details to their plumage patterns to see if there are differences in age and/or individualism, and how comparable they are with Hairy Woodpeckers. Regional latitudinal polymorphism is another one of my interests, amongst any species that displays it, and I hope to do a traveling research project to study it more. Below are some photos I have compiled the past few years to study and incorporate into my research.