Downy Woodpecker

by Janette Boyd

Title

Downy Woodpecker

Artist

Janette Boyd

Medium

Photograph - Photo/texture/digital

Description

Photo of Downy Woodpecker, taken in Tulsa, Oklahoma with original texture by FAA Artist, Jai Johnson called "Winter Collection - 5" and "Winter Collection - 18" were added, plus a layer of light snow, using Corel Paintshop's techniques of brushes and blending.

Featured in the following FAA Groups:
*Wildlife One a Day
*All Artwork
*Woodpeckers
*Bird Watchers

Downy Woodpecker
Size & Shape
Downy Woodpeckers are small versions of the classic woodpecker body plan. They have a straight, chisel-like bill, blocky head, wide shoulders, and straight-backed posture as they lean away from tree limbs and onto their tail feathers. The bill tends to look smaller for the bird's size than in other woodpeckers.

Color Pattern
Downy Woodpeckers give a checkered black-and-white impression. The black upperparts are checked with white on the wings, the head is boldly striped, and the back has a broad white stripe down the center. Males have a small red patch on the back of the head. The outer tail feathers are typically white with a few black spots.

Behavior
Downy Woodpeckers hitch around tree limbs and trunks or drop into tall weeds to feed on galls, moving more acrobatically than larger woodpeckers. Their rising-and-falling flight style is distinctive of many woodpeckers. In spring and summer, Downy Woodpeckers make lots of noise, both with their shrill whinnying call and by drumming on trees.

Habitat
You will find Downy Woodpeckers in open woodlands, particularly among deciduous trees, and brushy or weedy edges. They are also at home in orchards, city parks, backyards and vacant lots.
To hear the sounds of the downy woodpecker, go to:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/sounds
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/id/

Uploaded

January 2nd, 2016

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