2008 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada #3: Downy Woodpecker Coloured Coin

2008 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada #3: Downy Woodpecker Coloured Coin

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.

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.

Design

This third issue in the Birds of Canada series showcases the brightly-coloured plumage of the male downy. A distinctive dash of red distinguishes the smallest and most familiar of the 13 Canadian woodpecker species. 

Packaging

2008 Canadian 25-Cent Birds of Canada: Downy Woodpecker Coloured Coin is encapsulated and presented in a maroon clamshell case lined with flock and protected by a black sleeve and Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifications

Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: 25,000
Composition: Nickel plated steel
Weight (g): 12.61
Diameter (mm): 35
Finish: Specimen