downy woodpecker

noun

1. a small, North American woodpecker, Picoides pubescens, having black and white plumage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downy woodpecker¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

However, what partly compensated for this, was a good close view of a Downy Woodpecker.

From Project Gutenberg

The one we know best in winter is the Downy Woodpecker, the prettiest and smallest of the tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

A Downy Woodpecker had digged a worm out of a log by labour that most birds would have thought ill-paid by a dozen such worms.

From Project Gutenberg

No better little bird comes to our orchards than our friend the downy woodpecker.

From Project Gutenberg

Downy Woodpecker must keep his eyes open as he hammers the trees, and if he spies a supply of seeds he will let us know at once.

From Project Gutenberg