SOUTHERN DOWNY WOODPECKER. 
394. Dryobates pubescens. 6 inches. 
The male has a red nuchal patch while the female 
has none. Downies are one of the commonest of our 
Woodpeckers and are usually tame, allowing a very 
close approach before flying. They remain in orchards 
and open woods throughout the summer, and in win- 
ter often come to the windows in places where they 
are fed, as many people are in the habit of doing now. 
Their food, as does that of nearly all the Woodpeckers, 
consists entirely of insects, grubs and larvee. 
Note.—A sharp “peenk” or a rapid series of the same 
note, usually not as loud as that of the Hairy Wood- 
pecker. 
Nest.—In holes in trees in orchards or woods, the 
four to six white eggs being laid on the bare wood; 
size .75 x .60. 
Range.—South Atlantic and Gulf States. 
Sub-species.—Northern Downy Woodpecker (me- 
dianus), North America east of the Rockies and north 
of the Carolinas. This variety is slightly larger than 
the southern; others are found west of the Rockies. 
