Downey Woodpecker

This Downey has been coming to my suite feeder and enjoying my sunflower seeds all winter. I see him and his mate, who has no red markings on her head coming back and forth. They are such a pleasure to watch. During the winter months they come every day.

Downey and Hairy woodpeckers are almost identical in coloration. The Downey is much smaller in size and has a much shorter beak than the Hairy, according to audobon.org . Another indicator is the red patch on the top of the head of the male. In the Downey, the red patch is usually solid all the way across. On the hairy it is split.

Up to his eyeballs

in suet cake, Downey feasts.

Saves headaches for spring

Photos: Dwight L. Roth