South · Central Flyway

Downy Woodpecker in Texas

Dryobates pubescens — Picidae

CommonAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
12Active months
275,691Observations

About Downy Woodpecker in Texas

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 Texas, this species is classified as common. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.

Monthly Activity — Downy Woodpecker in Texas

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
View full Downy Woodpecker profile →

Best Time to See Downy Woodpecker in Texas

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

Other birds in Texas

Birds you might also encounter in Texas.

Downy Woodpecker in other states

Downy Woodpecker in Texas: Quick Facts

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

Preferred habitats include deciduous woodland, park, garden. For birders in Houston and throughout Texas, 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 Texas using the related birds section.