This little member of the Woodpecker family is a permanent resident with
us. All the year through he is to be seen busily engaged in his life
work, which is a constant search for food. The Downy Woodpecker may be
distinguished from the Hairy Woodpecker mainly by its smaller size and
by its outer tail feathers which are barred with black.
Food: The food of nearly all Woodpeckers consists of insect material
that is found on or within the bark of trees. Thus when the Downy
Woodpecker is searching for food, he may be seen upon the tree
trunks or even hanging beneath branches pecking away, excavating
and digging. To name the injurious insects that form this
Woodpecker's diet would take a long list. "Every stroke with which
he knocks at the door of an insect's retreat sounds the crack of
doom. He pierces the bark with his beak, then with his barbed
tongue drags forth an insect, and moves on to tap a last summons
on the door of the next in line."
Nest: The Downy Woodpecker makes his own home. He uses his beak for a
chisel and for a pick, and digs away at some hollow tree stump
making a neat little round hole that leads to a cavity wherein the
white eggs are laid. By way of a bed for these eggs the Woodpecker
uses a few soft chips. These same holes are often used the next
season by some little Chickadee who is only too glad to take
advantage of his opportunity.
Song: In addition to tapping or drumming upon a hollow stump, thus
making a noise like a tiny drummer, the Downy Woodpecker also has
a sort of song. The notes are rather business-like and come
through the woods industriously,--in rapid
succession--_peek-peek-peek!_ Sometimes, especially when
interrupted, the notes may sound like _chink-chink-chink!_
Remarks: In the winter time the Downy Woodpecker leads a rather solitary
life flying about in the woods, searching here and there, calling
now and then, and patiently waiting for the return of Spring. In
the Spring, however, when the mating season comes again, the Downy
takes a new interest in life, becomes more active and generally
shows himself to be very well aware of the fact that soon he must
expect to work upon his new home. It is at this time that the call
note _peek-peek-peek!_ comes more sharply than ever.
[Illustration: _Downy Woodpecker--6 inches_]