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Female


Comments:  North America's smallest woodpecker is a common year-round resident throughout most of the U.S. It's small size allows it to feed among smaller shrubs and branches than its larger relatives. The closely related Hairy Woodpecker is larger and has a much longer bill. The red spot on the male's head--the occipital spot, if you will--distinguishes it from a female. Top photo taken in southern Pennsylvania (11/26/2005). Bottom two photos taken in Carroll Co., Maryland in January 2005.