The Collaborative International Dictionary
Picoides pubescens
Downy woodpecker \Down"y wood"peck*er\ (-[y^]), n. (Zool.) A small black and white ladder-backed woodpecker ( Picoides pubescens) of Central and Eastern U. S. and Canada. It strongly resembles the hairy woodpecker, but is smaller (6 1/2"), compared with about 9-1/2" for the hairy. it is common in suburban backyards.