South · Atlantic Flyway

Downy Woodpecker in Delaware

Dryobates pubescensPicidae

UncommonAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
4Active months

About Downy Woodpecker in Delaware

Downy Woodpeckers are small, adaptable woodpeckers that forage on trunks, branches, and sturdy stems. Suet, peanuts, native trees, standing dead wood where safe, and pesticide-free habitat support them.

In Delaware, this species is classified as uncommon. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months. The best months to observe this bird are April, May, September, October.

Monthly Activity — Downy Woodpecker in Delaware

Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
RegularSeasonalRare

Identification

Colorsblack, white, red
Size14–17 cm
Habitatdeciduous woodland, park, garden
FamilyPicidae

Best Time to See Downy Woodpecker in Delaware

January
Low
February
Low
March
Active
April
Active
May
Active
June
Active
July
Low
August
Low
September
Active
October
Active
November
Active
December
Low

Other birds in Delaware

Birds you might also encounter in Delaware.

Downy Woodpecker in other states

Downy Woodpecker in Delaware: Quick Facts

The Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is an uncommon bird in Delaware. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include deciduous woodland, park, garden. The best months to spot this species in Delaware are April, May, September, October. For birders in Wilmington and throughout Delaware, knowing the seasonal patterns of Downy Woodpecker can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.

year-round across most of the United States and Canada. Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Delaware using the related birds section.