Picoides pubescens
A very common, 6 inch bird, native to Virginia all year round.
Males have black and white checkered back with a white belly and breast and a white stripe down their back. The have a short black bill and a red mark on the back of their head and white spots on tail sides.
Females are the same as males except they do not have a red mark.
Juveniles are the similar to females but some have a red mark on their forehead.
Downy Woodpeckers eat insects, suet, peanuts and seeds. They are the most common woodpecker in Virginia. Their small size allows them to reach insects larger woodpeckers cannot reach.