Downy woodpecker n. (Zool.) A small black and white ladder-backed woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) of Central and Eastern U. S. and Canada. It strongly resembles the hairy woodpecker, but is smaller (6 1/2"), compared with about 9 1/2" for the hairy. It is common in suburban backyards.
... I have nothing in particular to record concerning them. The Wilson thrush and the red-bellied nuthatch I have seen once or twice each. The chewink is more constant in his visits, as is also the golden-winged woodpecker. Our familiar little downy woodpecker, on the other hand, has thus far kept out of my catalogue. No other bird's absence has surprised me so much; and it is the more remarkable because the comparatively rare yellow-bellied species is to be met with nearly every season. Cedar-birds show themselves irregularly. ... — Birds in the Bush • Bradford Torrey
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