Downy Woodpecker are a common breeding and resident species across the state that is well known thanks to its regular habits of visiting bird feeders. The Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas 2 nicely sums up this species with the statement: “Where there are trees in the United States, there likely are Downy Woodpeckers.”
Breeding Codes
In each category below, we give examples of some of the breeding codes to look for with this species. Please refer to page 18 of the Volunteer Handbook for complete descriptions of each code.
Safe Dates: 1 May – 1 August
Possible
As discussed in the intro, almost any habitat with trees, be it rural or urban, could be suitable for a Downy Woodpecker (H). Woodpeckers are fairly unique in that their song is non-vocal: the drumming of a Downy Woodpecker is considered its song (S) because it is used to establish and maintain territories or attract mates. Typically, Downy Woodpeckers have a slower drum than Hairy Woodpeckers but some of these can be indistinguishable so visual confirmation is wise before coding your auditory identification.
Probable
Pairs (P) can be told because of this species sexual dimorphism: males showing a red spot on the nape (lacking in the females). Copulations (C) are often observed, and lucky atlasers may encounter “The Butterfly Flight”, a courtship display (C) done by Downy Woodpeckers. There is a comprehensive article on reproductive behaviors of Downy Woodpeckers by Lawrence Kilham available here: Condor 64: 126-133. Remember that woodpeckers excavating cavities is not a confirmed code and should be entered as woodpecker/wren nest building (B).
Confirmed
Once cavities are finished it can be hard to know what stage of nesting Downy Woodpeckers are at. If an adult is entering a cavity for long periods it can be assumed that the nest is occupied (ON). Young will often beg from within cavities and begin sticking their heads out for the last few days before fledging (NY). Young are feed (FY) for up to three weeks after fledging, including being brought to bird feeders (FL) where they can be easily observed.
Excavation of cavities does not confirm breeding in woodpeckers, so the B-Woodpecker/Wren Nest Building probable code should be used.