Bird of the Month: Downy Woodpecker
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The Downy Woodpecker, our June Bird of the Month, is one of North America’s most numerous woodpecker species and for many of us they are the most common woodpeckers to visit our yards. They are non-migratory birds that can be found year-round across most of North America, from California to Newfoundland and Florida to Alaska, often preferring areas with deciduous (leafy) trees Downy Woodpeckers are cavity nesters that usually build their own nest site by excavating a hollow pocket in a dead tree or limb. The male normally chooses the location, then the male and female downy will both excavate the cavity over a 1-3 week period. No outside material is added to the nest; the cavity is lined only with woodchips left over from the building process. Although the downy is known for constructing their own nest cavities, they do sometimes use man-made nest boxes if the entrance hole is 1.25” or larger. Since they typically custom build their nest cavity, some like to make a nest box “their own.” If you find that your nest box entrance hole was suddenly chipped away and enlarged, or there is damage on the inside walls of your nest box, you may have a local downy pair looking to move in to raise their family. In nearly all bird species, the female handles the overnight incubation duties, but not with the woodpeckers. The male will take some incubating shifts during the day to allow the female to stretch, defecate, or grab a bite to eat. Come nighttime, dad takes over primary incubating duties and gives mom a chance to rest.
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