The downy woodpecker is about the size of a sparrow. The downy woodpecker has a black and white pattern and is similar to the hairy woodpecker. The hairy woodpecker is slightly larger with a longer bill. The female downy woodpecker is similar in description to the male except she does not have a red patch on her head. Feeding Downy woodpeckers feed on suet at birdfeeders.
Males are dominate at the feeders.
The downy woodpecker is found from Alaska, Canada and in the United States, except in the Southwest. Downy woodpeckers are found in woodland areas, parks and in gardens. The territory of the downy woodpecker ranges from five to thirty five acres. In the fall and early winter, both male and female live in the same territory. During this time the male and female will feed separate and remain apart.