downy nest VI

At first glance, all seems quiet around the downy woodpecker nest site, just a round hole in a tree. (See April 7 posting) But occasionally, if you are patient enough to wait, you notice a little woodpecker face peek out of the opening albeit briefly. The activity has become more secretive.

Gary Ritchison writes, “Typically, females lay one egg per day, early in the morning, and eggs in a clutch are laid on successive days. Complete clutches usually consist of five eggs but may contain from three to eight.” (Eight!! I hope the little male created a big enough nursery.)

“In some species, and perhaps in downy woodpeckers as well, female age also has an effect on clutch size, with younger females laying fewer eggs than older ones.” (Let’s hear it for the seniors!) “Although it is not always clear why older females produce larger clutches, one possibility is that older, more experienced females are better foragers and therefore are in better condition” i.e. healthier moms produce more eggs.