A pair of Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) have been coming to my feeder regularly for quite a while. This image is of the male.

The male and female Downy Woodpecker look similar with the exception of the red spot at the back of the male’s head. The female has no red, just black and white.

This photo is the female with no red at all, just black and white feathers.

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. Which doesn’t keep them from standing up for themselves at the bird feeder. Here one is standing up against a little Carolina Wren. But they will also stand up against birds that are larger than they are like Cardinals and Blue Jays.

The smallest woodpecker taking on Cardinals and Blue Jays. Way to go.

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