Bird Bio: Bird Friendly Peterborough

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The Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is one of the most charming and enduring birds in the Kawartha Lakes region. This small, energetic woodpecker often brightens our winter landscapes, with its distinctive “taptap-tap” drumming echoing through the frosty woods. A year-round resident, the Downy Woodpecker is one of the most common woodpeckers in Ontario, and its presence brings joy to many birdwatchers and nature lovers. The Downy is the smallest woodpecker in North America, measuring about 6-7 inches in length. It’s easily identified by its white underparts, black-and-white patterned wings, and a small, pale red patch on the back of the male’s head. The Downy Woodpecker are insectivores, primarily feeding on insects like ants, beetles, and caterpillars and thrive in a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous woods, suburban areas, and even city parks. They prefer areas with mature trees and snags (dead or dying trees), which they use for nesting and foraging. Downy Woodpeckers are skilled at “caching”—storing food in tree bark or crevices to eat later, which helps them survive winter. While they are not particularly shy, they do interact with humans, often visiting bird feeders during the colder months.

The Downy Woodpecker plays a crucial role in our ecosystem by helping to control insect populations, particularly beetles and ants, which can damage trees, while also contributing to the decomposition of dead wood by creating cavities that other wildlife can use. However, its biggest threat from humans comes from habitat loss—particularly the removal of dead trees and the destruction of forests, which reduces available nesting sites and foraging opportunities. In the Kawartha Lakes, creating or enhancing habitat for the Downy Woodpecker is easy! Leave dead trees standing when possible, and plant native trees that support a diverse insect population. Installing suet feeders in your yard is a great way to provide additional food in winter but make sure that feeder is well away (at least 10 ft) from windows as they can get injured from window collisions. By fostering a woodpecker-friendly environment, we ensure these delightful birds continue to brighten our lives through all seasons!

www.birdfriendlypeterborough.ca

Image: Downy Woodpecker receiving treatment post window collision at the Kawartha Wildlife Centre.

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