It's one of the
most distinctive sounds in the forest. Most who hear it feel compelled
to find the woodpecker hammering away at a branch to extract a juicy
meal with its long pointed tongue perhaps a small insect or larva under
the bark of a rotting tree.
Of the 13 woodpecker species living
year-round in Canada, the Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) is the
smallest and most familiar. At just 14-17 cm (6-7 in), it can excavate a
nest cavity in a dead tree just 10 cm (4 in) around. This gives the
Downy more habitat options than larger woodpeckers that need bigger
trees, and it often nests in suburban woods across southern Canada.
The
Downy can survive a life-time of hammering because its strong,
chisel-shaped beak, spongy skull structure and strong neck muscles
absorb the force of the blows. Even its nostrils are covered with
feathers to avoid inhaling sawdust. Watch for a flash of red on the back
of the head when you locate that tell-tale "dat-dat-dat" it's a sure
sign thata male Downy has just come into view.
Coin Highlights:
Packaged in a protective plastic holder from NGC to guarantee and protect the coin's near perfect SP-68 condition.
Mintage: 25,000
Composition: Nickel plated steel
Weight (g): 12.61
Diameter (mm): 35
Edge: Plain
Finish: Specimen
A great addition to your World coin collection. |