Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker, the smallest in North America. Length ranges from 14 to 18 cm. Downy woodpeckers primarily live in forested areas throughout the United States and Canada, with the exception of deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra.

A male Downy Woodpecker, in Poquott, Long Island, NY. Photo shared on Wikipedia by Wolfgang Wander.
A male Downy Woodpecker, in Poquott, Long Island, NY. Photo shared on Wikipedia by Wolfgang Wander.
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Community Sightings

Recent observations from the iNaturalist community

Downy Woodpecker observed by alysestuck
Oct 11, 2026
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury, MA, US
byalysestuck
Research Grade
· 1 ID
Downy Woodpecker observed by battynat
Oct 10, 2026
Ward St, Fountain Valley, CA, US
bybattynat
Research Grade
· 1 ID
Downy Woodpecker observed by ryanskwarek
Oct 10, 2026
Charing Cross Rd, Woodridge, IL, US
byRyan Skwarek
Research Grade
· 1 ID
Downy Woodpecker observed by bodhicull
Oct 10, 2026
North Okanagan, BC, Canada
byBodhi Cull
Research Grade
· 1 ID
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