Downy woody Picoides pubescens
is the smallest woodpecker of the wild wild woods. We see two or three at a time, searching up and down the trees for insects within the folds of bark.
The nasal bristles (stiff yellow feathers above the beak) keep wood crumbs out of the bird's nasal openings as he searches for food or excavates a nest hole in a tree.
Downy Woodpeckers stop at the water bowl too, where this tiny feather was left behind. It may be from the top of this male's head.
