What is a small black and white woodpecker in the Midwest?

There are several species of small black and white woodpeckers that can be found in the midwestern United States. The most common and likely species that fits the description of a “small black and white woodpecker” would be the downy woodpecker. Downy woodpeckers are small woodpeckers that are black and white in coloration and very common across the eastern and midwestern United States. They are the smallest woodpeckers found in most of North America.

Identifying Features of the Downy Woodpecker

Downy woodpeckers have the following identifying features:

• Size – They are small woodpeckers, measuring between 6-7 inches in length with a wingspan of 11-13 inches.
• Coloration – They have a black and white color pattern. Their backs and wings are black with white spotting. Their undersides are white.
• Bill – Their bill is short, straight and chisel-like to allow drilling into trees.
• Head – They have a bold black and white striped head pattern.
• Male vs Female – Males have a small red patch on the back of their head that females lack.

Size Comparison

To illustrate how small the downy woodpecker is compared to other woodpeckers, here is a table with average sizes of common midwestern woodpecker species:

As the table illustrates, the downy is substantially smaller than most other midwestern woodpeckers. Only the red-breasted sapsucker is of a similarly small size.

Range and Habitat

The downy woodpecker is found across nearly all of the eastern and central United States and parts of southeastern Canada. Their range extends:

• As far north as central Alberta, most of Ontario, southern Quebec and Newfoundland
• As far south as Florida
• West to the Rocky Mountains

Within this broad geographic range, downy woodpeckers occupy a variety of wooded habitats including:

• Deciduous forests
• Coniferous forests
• Parks
• Woodlots
• Suburban areas with trees

They have readily adapted to human-altered environments and are common in orchards, backyards and other sites with trees.

Population in the Midwest

The downy woodpecker has a large population size and stable numbers throughout most of its range including the midwestern United States.

Population estimates for downy woodpeckers in the Midwest include:

• Illinois – Estimated 390,000 breeding birds
• Indiana – Estimated 580,000 breeding birds
• Iowa – Estimated 370,000 breeding birds
• Michigan – Estimated 610,000 breeding birds
• Minnesota – Estimated 920,000 breeding birds
• Missouri – Estimated 540,000 breeding birds
• Ohio – Estimated 510,000 breeding birds
• Wisconsin – Estimated 930,000 breeding birds

Overall, downy woodpeckers are considered an abundant species throughout the midwestern United States. Their populations are considered secure.

Identification Tips

The downy woodpecker can sometimes be confused with the very similar looking hairy woodpecker. Here are some tips on telling them apart:

Size

As the name suggests, downy woodpeckers are smaller than hairy woodpeckers. Take note of the overall size.

Bill Length

The bill length relative to the head is smaller on the downy. On hairy woodpeckers, the bill is approximately the same length as the head. On downies, the bill is shorter.

Bill Shape

The downy woodpecker’s bill is slender and pointed. The hairy woodpecker’s bill is larger and blockier.

Black Markings

The downy has black markings on its outer white tail feathers that the hairy lacks.

Behaviors

Downy woodpeckers are more likely to be seen at suet feeders and bird feeders than hairy woodpeckers. Hairy woodpeckers tend to forage on tree trunks and limbs more.

Calls

The calls of the downy woodpecker are higher pitched and sharper sounding than those of the hairy woodpecker. With practice, the calls can be distinguished by their tone.

Behavior and Diet

Foraging

Downy woodpeckers forage primarily on the trunks and branches of trees. Occasionally they may forage on the ground for ants. Their feeding behaviors include:

• Probing into crevices of bark for insects
• Chipping away bark to reach insect larvae beneath
• Drilling into wood to get at beetle larvae
• Feeding on sap from wells they drill
• Eating ants, spiders and other insects
• Eating berries, acorns and other fruits
• Visiting bird feeders, especially suet feeders

Breeding

Downy woodpeckers breed in spring. They nest in cavity holes they drill in dead trees or dead parts of live trees. Their nesting behaviors include:

• Males attract females with frequent drumming on objects
• Cavities are drilled in dead or dying branches or snags
• The cavities are typically 10 to 70 feet off the ground
• A clutch of 3-8 white eggs is laid
• The eggs are incubated for 12 days before hatching
• Both parents feed the young for about 18-21 days until fledging

Ecosystem Role

Downy woodpeckers play an important role in forest ecosystems. Some of the key ways they contribute are:

• Pest Control – They eat wood-boring beetles, ants, caterpillars and other tree pests that could become destructive if unchecked.
• Cavity Excavation – Their excavated cavities later provide nesting spots for other cavity nesters like chickadees, nuthatches and ducks.
• Sapsucker Wells – They feed on sap from sapsucker wells and keep them flowing and maintained.
• Seed Dispersal – Their feeding on fruit like hackberries helps disperse the seeds.
• Indicator Species – Their presence and population numbers help indicate the health of forests.

Conservation Status

Population Trend

The downy woodpecker has an estimated global breeding population of 13 million birds. Their population is on the rise and has increased an estimated 20% over the last 50 years across North America according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey.

Threats

There are no major threats to downy woodpecker populations currently. Some potential risks include:

• Habitat loss from deforestation
• Increased urbanization reducing forests
• Competition for nest cavities with European starlings
• Predation from squirrels, snakes and woodpecker predators

However, downy woodpeckers remain common and resilient even in human-altered habitats.

Conservation Status

The downy woodpecker has a conservation status of:

• IUCN Red List – Least Concern
• US Endangered Species Act – Not listed

They have an extremely large range and high population numbers. There are no significant conservation threats to the species currently. They adapt well to human changes in the environment and take advantage of bird feeders. Downy woodpeckers are in little danger of experiencing any population declines or need for conservation management.

Conclusion

In summary, the downy woodpecker is the most likely small black and white woodpecker species found in the midwestern United States. It can be identified by its small size, black and white plumage, short chisel-like bill, striped head pattern, and high-pitched call. Downies are abundant forest birds throughout the Midwest and play important roles in pest control, excavating cavities, dispersing seeds, and indicating forest health. With stable, increasing populations and no major threats, downy woodpeckers are secure and thriving across their range. They are a iconic and fascinating small woodpecker that is right at home in the forests, woodlots and backyards of the Midwest.