Tag Archives: woodpecker

Big Things in Small Packages

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Downy Woodpecker (male)- Canon T2i, f/8, 1/2500 sec, ISO 1600

Downy Woodpecker (male)- Canon T2i, f/8, 1/2500 sec, ISO 1600


Downy’s are the smallest woodpeckers in North America. They frequent our suet feeders and perch in dead trees behind our house. I have seen them with larvae and insects in their beak more times than I can count. Until today, I thought they strictly used their beaks to peck for their food. Boy was I wrong. They use their tongue to reach into the hole. I knew they had a tongue, just not one this long! I am still amazed and thrilled that I captured this behavior. I cherish moments like this and can’t wait to see what else I can discover.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

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Arkansas, 2013

Arkansas, 2013


This is the most secretive of the woodpeckers. When approached, it quickly hitches to the opposite side of the tree trunk. Sapsuckers get their name because they feed primarily on the sap of young trees, allowing it ooze while they use their brush-like tongues to lap it up.

The male and female both have a red crown; the male also has a red throat. This is the female of the species. They are only found in Arkansas during the winter months.