Habitat –
The Downy Woodpecker lives in forests, parks, orchards, and suburban backyards throughout Florida. They are especially common in neighborhoods with mature trees and are frequent visitors to bird feeders.
Diet –
They eat insects, larvae, ants, beetles, and caterpillars. In winter and in backyard settings, they also enjoy suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
Lifespan –
Downy Woodpeckers typically live about 4–6 years in the wild, though some have been known to live longer.
Special Behavior –
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in Florida. Males have a small red patch on the back of their head, while females do not. They use their stiff tail feathers to brace against tree trunks while pecking. Unlike larger woodpeckers, they make smaller, neater holes in bark as they search for insects.
Nesting -
The Downy Woodpecker does not build an open twig nest like robins. Instead, they excavate a cavity inside a tree trunk. Both the male and female help drill out the nest hole. The entrance is small and round, and the nest chamber is hollowed out inside the tree. They do not bring in soft nesting material — the wood chips left from drilling line the bottom.
