Midwest · Central Flyway

Downy Woodpecker in Kansas

Dryobates pubescensPicidae

CommonAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
12Active months

About Downy Woodpecker in Kansas

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 Kansas, this species is classified as common. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months. The best months to observe this bird are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

Monthly Activity — Downy Woodpecker in Kansas

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 Kansas

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

Other birds in Kansas

Birds you might also encounter in Kansas.

Downy Woodpecker in other states

Downy Woodpecker in Kansas: Quick Facts

The Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a common bird in Kansas. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include deciduous woodland, park, garden. The best months to spot this species in Kansas are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. For birders in Wichita and throughout Kansas, 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 Kansas using the related birds section.