One of the most enjoyable feathered friends at my backyard feeder is the Downy Woodpecker. It’s North America’s smallest woodpecker. I see them feeding along with chickadees, nuthatches and titmice frequently. The male and female look the same except for the bright red patch on the back of the male’s head. Juvenile males have the red cap which later becomes the patch more on the nape f the neck. In winter, they come to my suet feeder frequently as the suet is a high energy blend. The Downy is quite the acrobat with its clinging feet that enables it to climb, hang and move quickly into flight. They forage on trees with insects and are never far from their nest in cavities. Both male and female feed the little ones.
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National Audubon Society
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