Downy woodpeckers prefer open woodlands, orchards and parks everywhere in the United States except for the driest parts of the southwest. Downy woodpeckers prefer the same habitat as man, open woodlands, orchards and suburbs. They unafraid of humans and will often come to feeders during the winter. Downy woodpeckers, like any other woodpeckers, need dead trees to hollow out for their nests. It is important to leave dead trees standing if they don t endanger people or property.
Downy woodpeckers create nest hole openings that are concealed by fungus or lichens.
Each bird digs its own winter roost. Downies are one of the few woodpeckers that will come to feeders. Downie s nests are lined with woodchips. The young are altricial and remain dependant on the adults for up to 3 weeks for food and bodily warmth. The males does most of the brooding.