Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America, featuring a black-and-white checkered back, white underparts, and a neat white stripe down the back. Males display a small red patch on the back of the head. Known for its energetic foraging along tree trunks and branches.

Black and white barred pattern, typical of the outer tail feathers of a Downy Woodpecker, featuring white outer webs with dark bars

Pennaceous vane near the tip with tightly interlocked barbs, becoming somewhat reduced or asymmetrical near the base

Strong, slightly curved, pale yellowish-white rachis that is rigid and robust relative to the feather size to provide structural support

Stiff, firm, and matte texture with rigid barbs designed to withstand abrasion against rough tree bark

Tail (rectrix). Determined by the stiff rachis and specialized shape adapted for mechanical support against vertical tree trunks

Small size (around 4 inches long for the feather), stiff rachis, and distinct black-and-white barring characteristic of outer tail feathers

Open woodlands, deciduous forests, willow groves, orchards, and suburban shade trees and parks

Widespread across North America, resident throughout most of the United States and Canada

Acts as a primary cavity excavator creating homes for secondary cavity nesters and helps control populations of wood-boring insects

Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus), which is significantly larger with a much longer bill; outer tail feathers of Hairy Woodpeckers are generally pure white without dark bars, whereas Downy outer tail feathers are barred with black

Downy Woodpeckers have stiff tail feathers that they use as a prop to brace themselves against tree trunks while hammering. They are frequent visitors to backyard suet feeders.

Not historically utilized in major commercial trade; feathers are occasionally collected by nature enthusiasts and educators for study

Look near the bases of dead trees, under common roosting sites, or around backyard suet feeders in wooded suburban areas

Good condition with minor wear at the edges, typical of a naturally molted feather found in the field

4 inches. Osgood hill Massachusetts