Do downy woodpeckers make noise?

Downy woodpeckers are small birds that are common across much of North America. They get their name from the soft white feathers covering their backs. While they may look cute and harmless, downy woodpeckers do in fact make noise as part of their normal behavior.

Downy woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) are the smallest woodpeckers in North America. They are only about 6-7 inches in length. Their backs are covered in soft white feathers, giving them a “downy” appearance. The wings are checkered black and white. Males have a red spot on the back of their heads.

Downy woodpeckers are found in forests and woodlands across most of North America. They are very common birds and popular with bird watchers. These little woodpeckers often visit backyards and come to bird feeders.

Woodpeckers are known for pecking on trees both to find food and to make nest cavities. The repetitive pecking noises woodpeckers make carry through forests. So do downy woodpeckers make noise like other woodpeckers?

Drumming

Downy woodpeckers absolutely do make noise. One of the most well-known noises made by woodpeckers is called drumming. Drumming is when a woodpecker rapidly beats its beak against a surface like a tree branch or even a metal pole.

Woodpeckers drum for a few different reasons:

• To mark and defend a territory
• To attract a mate
• To communicate with other woodpeckers

The drumming of a downy woodpecker sounds like a fast paced, rhythmic tapping. It’s not as loud and reverberant as the drumming of larger woodpeckers like the pileated woodpecker. But it is very fast, often around 15-16 beats per second.

Here are some key facts about downy woodpecker drumming:

• Drumming is done by both males and females.
• Downies will drum any time of year, but drumming peaks during mating season.
• The drumming sound carries up to 100 yards.
• Downy woodpeckers often drum on dead tree branches, but also metal objects like gutters or roofs.
• The impacts during drumming can be as much as 20 times per second.

So drumming creates a distinct, fast paced tapping sound that resonates through the woods. This drumming behavior means downy woodpeckers definitely make noise.

Vocal calls

In addition to drumming, downy woodpeckers also make an assortment of vocal sounds. They have sharp, high-pitched calls that serve different purposes.

Here are some common vocalizations of the downy woodpecker:

• Whinnying call – A long, high descending whinny. Functions as a contact call between mates and to beg for food.
• Rattle call – A fast series of notes that sounds like a ball rattling around in a can. Used during aggressive encounters.
• Squeak – A short, sharp sqeak. Indicates alarm.

The whinnying call is often described as sounding similar to a flickering lightbulb. It’s commonly heard when a downy is seeking out a mate or communicating location between pairs. Here is a recording of the downy’s whinny call:

[Embed audio: Downy whinny call]

So in addition to drumming, downy woodpeckers also vocalize with an array of high-pitched squeaks, rattles, and whinnies. These vocalizations mean downy woodpeckers are definitely not a silent species.

Pecking sounds

The final type of sounds made by downy woodpeckers are pecking noises. All woodpeckers use their sharp, strong bills to peck repeatedly at trees.

Downies make pecking noises for several reasons:

• Excavating holes for nesting cavities
• Searching for insect food under bark
• Communication through drumming (as discussed earlier)

These pecking sounds are relatively soft due to the downy’s small size. But they can still be heard at close range when a downy is actively feeding. The pecking is often interspersed with the rattling call when defending a food source from other birds.

Here is a recording of a downy woodpecker pecking:

[Embed audio: Downy pecking sounds]

So while less remarkable than the pecking of larger woodpeckers, downies do create a percussive pecking sound as they search for food.

When are downy woodpeckers most vocal?

Downy woodpeckers can make drumming, vocalizations, and pecking sounds year round. However, they are most vocal and active during certain seasons:

• Spring – Drumming and vocalizing increases dramatically in spring as birds establish territories and search for mates.
• Summer – Adults make squeak and whinny calls to beg for food for their young in summer.
• Fall – Drumming and calling pick up again in fall as juvenile birds join adult pairs.
• Winter – Downy noises are less common in winter, but they still drum and call year round.

Spring and fall are the peak calling seasons. If you want to hear active downy woodpeckers, go out during the busy spring breeding season. But remember that downies use drumming, calls, and pecking sounds all year as part of their regular behavior.

Do downy woodpecker noises bother people?

For some people, the drumming and vocal sounds of downy woodpeckers may be perceived as annoying or bothersome. This is especially true when the birds drum on gutters, roofs, or walls.

However, the noises are generally not excessive enough to cause major issues. Downy woodpecker sounds tend to be intermittent and short-lived. Their drums and calls are also relatively soft compared to larger woodpeckers.

In fact, many people enjoy seeing downy woodpeckers visit their yards and hearing their vocalizations. The variety of downy woodpecker sounds can be fascinating to bird enthusiasts.

Downy woodpecker noise is just part of their natural behavior. While sometimes distracting, it tends to be sporadic enough that it doesn’t cause excessive problems for homeowners.

Dealing with problem drumming

If downy drumming or pecking does become excessive on your home, there are some solutions. Here are a few tips:

• Install plastic or nylon netting over the area being drummed. The netting can move in the wind, deterring birds.
• Attach aluminum flashing or mylar tape on the drummed surface. The reflection and noise deter woodpeckers.
• Place fake owls or rubber snakes near the drumming area to scare the birds.
• Use harmless taste or smell repellents on the area, or hang annoyances like pie pans that will move in the wind.
• Insulate the area with caulk or foam to deaden the drumming reverberation.

With some creativity and persistence, you can convince downies to stop excessive drumming on your buildings while still enjoying their presence. A few simple deterrents can make the noise manageable.

Conclusion

Downy woodpeckers are vocal, active little birds. They make a variety of sounds including drumming, vocalizations like whinnies and rattles, and soft pecking noises as they search for food. Downy woodpecker noises are most common during spring and fall, but they use sounds to communicate all year long.

While downy drumming and calls may occasionally become bothersome if directed at buildings, the sounds are generally sporadic and soft enough that they don’t cause major issues. A few deterrents can help manage noise problems.

The sounds of the downy woodpecker are a natural part of their behavior. With a little understanding, we can enjoy their lively presence in our yards and forests.

Key Takeaways on Downy Woodpecker Sounds

• Downies make drumming noises by rapidly tapping their bills against surfaces.
• Vocalizations like the whinny call help communicate between mates.
• Pecking sounds are made while foraging for insects.
• Drumming and calling peak during spring and fall seasons.
• Sounds may annoy some people but are generally sporadic and soft.
• Sonic deterrents can help manage problem drumming on buildings.

In summary, downy woodpeckers have a diverse repertoire of sounds that are a natural part of their communication and behavior. With a little tolerance, we can appreciate the lively noises of these characterful birds.