Bird Gallery Index

Downy Woodpecker (male) image © Wayne Wendel. Photo taken at Brazos Bend State Park

Family: (Picidae) Woodpeckers

Preferred Habitat: Woodlands and forests

Seasonal Occurrence: Abundant throughout the year. Permanent resident.

Notes: Downy Woodpeckers are well-known in Houston's wooded suburbs. They are often found in association with Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice. The male may be told from the female by the small red patch on the back of his head. Downy Woodpeckers readily visit suet and peanut butter bird feeders. Their distinctive high-pitched whinny call is easy to recognize. The Houston Bird Survey has more information and a distribution map.
- Susan Billetdeaux