Downy woodpeckers are small birds with white stomachs, breasts and backs and black tails and wings. Wings have rows of white spots. Males have a red cap on the back of their heads which the females lack.

Sexual maturity : Less than 1 year
Mating season: Spring and early summer. Downy woodpeckers usually nest only once.
Breeding territory: 1 pair per 24 acres
Gestation: Eggs hatch in 12 days, the young fledge 20-25 days after that.
Number of young: 3-6, usually 4-5. Eggs are white and 8/10 of an inch long.
Diet: Primarily insects but some fruit, seeds and sap

Male downy woodpeckers display a lot when courting or defending territory. Their displays consist of crest raising, dancing and drumming on trees. Sexes forage separately with the male preferring the smaller branches and the upper canopy layers.

• Downy woodpeckers create nest hole openings that are concealed by fungus or lichens.
  
  
• Each bird digs its own winter roost.
  
  
• Downies are one of the few woodpeckers that will come to feeders.
  
  
• Downie’s nests are lined with woodchips. The young are altricial and remain dependant on the adults for up to 3 weeks for food and bodily warmth.
  
  
• The males does most of the brooding.
  
  
• Woodpeckers may hammer on a tree as much as 10 times a minute.
  
  
• Their brain is protected from shock by a pad of spongy elastic material between their bill and their skull.
  
  
• Special feathers around their nostrils keep them from breathing in wood chips.
  
  
• Spines on the ends of their stiff tail feathers act as braces as they climb or drill.
  
  
• Legend has it the red patch on the head of the male bird inspired legends with many Native America tribes across the United States, from being a fire detective to bearer of a warrior's badge of courage. This diminutive bird has been a symbol of bravery and hard work.