Saturday, August 15, 2015

Saturday Sightings- Downy Woodpecker

Happy Saturday everyone!  The blog today is about the Downy Woodpecker; another species found in our park.

The Downy Woodpecker is small compared to the classic woodpecker body.  They have a straight back with wide shoulders and they also have a straight, chisel-like bill, and blocky head.

This bird has black upperparts, with wings checked with white.  The head is striped and the back has a broad white stripe down the center of the back.  Male Downy Woodpeckers have a read patch on the back of their heads while the females do not.

It lives in open woodlands, mostly among deciduous trees, and weedy or brushy edges.  They also live in orchards, city parks, backyards and vacant lots.

Keep an eye out!  Have a good week ahead.

Catie and Ben

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