Downy Woodpecker Preening

Downy Woodpecker Video Clips

(Replays Automatically - No Sound)

In a native red elderberry bush, a Downy Woodpecker is preening. Because the Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker are very similar, telling the difference bewteen them can be a challenge. In the video, you can see the small bill or beak giving the first clue as to positive identification. Also, notice the small branches. These small branches are also a clue to positivie identification because it indicates this is Downy Woodpecker habitat.

View a side-by-side comparison of the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.

You can read more about the Downy Woodpecker in the Backyard Birds section.