Downy Woodpecker, female
Dryobates pubescens
Downy Woodpecker · Constitution Marsh · 17 October 2026
A female Downy Woodpecker on a lichen-covered sapling at Constitution Marsh, with no red at the back of the head where a male would have a small patch. Downies live all year across almost the whole of the continent, in woods, parks and gardens alike.
In winter the sexes divide up the tree. The males keep the smaller branches and weed stems for themselves and the females work the trunk and larger limbs; when the males were removed in one study, the females moved out onto the twigs at once.
Birds, insects, plants and other wildlife, mostly from Brooklyn, with some from further afield.
Selected
Favourite shots. Filter by subject, or .
Places
Everything, by where it was taken.
Species
Larger catalogue of photos organized by species of animal or plant, .
Catalogue
Every photograph, newest first. Type to find something, or narrow it by period, place or species.
Updates
Coming soon. Sign up at the bottom of the page for updates.