Observations on the Feeding Bahavior of the Downy Woodpecker

Abstract

The following study was carried out to determine various aspects of the feeding behavior and ecology of the Downy Woodpecker. Observations were made between September 28 and November 30, 1965 at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The purpose of the study was to carry out intensive field observations on the Downy Woodpecker in order to record aspects of behavior and particularly to determine ecological relationships between individuals and the environment. Specific areas of study were feeding ethology, types of plants fed on, daily range, times of feeding, and effects of the physical environment. Competition, though an important aspect of autecolgy; was not included because of the necessity for detailed studies on other species, such work requiring more time than was available for this project.