The smallest North American woodpecker, the downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is common throughout the United States and Canada all year but visits feeders more frequently in the winter, particularly for suet mixes. Backyard birders can make their own simple suet recipe with sunflower seeds or millet mixed in. Leaving weed stalks and sunflower stalks up in the winter will also attract these birds.

Photo © Jassen