• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • CAUTION: Post Storm Damage to Coastal Trail

    The Presidio Coastal Trail segment just north of the Pacific Overlook and adjacent to Lincoln Blvd remains CLOSED indefinitely. We have posted signage to alert bicyclists and hikers and with information for safe trail alternatives. More »

Downy Woodpecker

(Picoides pubescens)
 
Downy woodpecker
A Downy Woodpecker near El Polin Spring.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Natural History: This species of woodpecker primarily eats insect larvae but also feeds on seeds and berries. It forages on trunks and branches from 9 up to 65 high. It nests and roosts in cavities and is dependent on snags. This species breeds from late March to early September.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this bird is found in areas of willow, eucalyptus, live oak, and forest snags. It breeds within the Presidio.

Frequency: This species is common all year in the Presidio.

Identifying Characteristics: This bird has a white back and a small bill. The males of the species often have a red coloration on their heads.

Presidio Birds main page

Did You Know?

U.S. Army major rank insignia

In 1915, a tragic fire at the Presidio claimed the lives of General Pershing’s wife and his three daughters. Pershing's son, Francis Warren, survived the blaze and chose to enlist in the army as a private during World War II. By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of major.