National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Presidio of San FranciscoBay Area Ridge Trail passes through planted forest
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Presidio of San Francisco
Downy Woodpecker
(Picoides pubescens)
 
Downy woodpecker
Will Elder, NPS
A Downy Woodpecker near El Polin Spring.
 

Natural History: This species of woodpecker primarily eats insect larvae but also feeds on seeds and berries. It forages on trunks and branches from 9 up to 65 high. It nests and roosts in cavities and is dependent on snags. This species breeds from late March to early September.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this bird is found in areas of willow, eucalyptus, live oak, and forest snags. It breeds within the Presidio.

Frequency: This species is common all year in the Presidio.

Identifying Characteristics: This bird has a white back and a small bill. The males of the species often have a red coloration on their heads.

Presidio Birds main page
U.S. Army major rank insignia  

Did You Know?
In 1915, a tragic fire at the Presidio claimed the lives of General Pershing’s wife and his three daughters. Pershing's son, Francis Warren, survived the blaze and chose to enlist in the army as a private during World War II. By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of major.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: March 14, 2008 at 15:32 EST