Insects:
- Beetles
- Wood-boring larvae
- Caterpillars
- Moths
- Ants
- Grasshoppers
- Flies
- Wasps
- Spiders
- Millipedes
- Centipedes
Fruits and Berries:
- Wild berries, such as elderberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Fruits, such as apples and pears
- Sumac fruits
- Dogwood fruits
- Serviceberries
- Black cherries
Nuts and Seeds:
- Sunflower seeds
- Peanuts
- Acorns
- Beechnuts
- Hickory nuts
Sap:
- Downy woodpeckers may occasionally drink sap from trees, especially during the winter months when other food sources are scarce.
It's important to note that while downy woodpeckers primarily eat insects and small invertebrates, they can also adapt their diet based on availability and seasonal changes. Their ability to forage on a wide range of food items contributes to their success in various habitats and allows them to survive in different ecosystems.