Watching woodpeckers in your backyard can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially for birdwatchers and those new to backyard birdwatching. These fascinating birds are not only known for their distinctive drumming on tree trunks but also for their beautiful plumage and unique behaviors.
This article will guide you through the best feeding tips to attract woodpeckers to your yard, with a special focus on the common species across the United States, including some insights on the larger and more elusive Pileated woodpecker. Whether you’re just setting up your feeders or looking to enhance your feeding strategies, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable information on suet types, nuts, seeds, and other foods preferred by woodpeckers.
Understanding Woodpecker Feeding Habits
Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects found in tree bark, but they also enjoy a variety of supplemental foods, especially during the colder months when insect supplies dwindle. Offering the right types of food can greatly increase your chances of attracting these birds to your backyard.
Preferred Foods for Common Woodpeckers
Suet – The Ultimate Woodpecker Treat
Suet is the go-to food when it comes to feeding woodpeckers. It’s a high-energy food made from animal fat and is often mixed with seeds, nuts, or dried fruits. Woodpeckers love suet because it provides essential calories, especially during the winter.
Types of Suet Preferred:
- Plain suet cakes: Great for woodpeckers who prefer pure fat energy.
- Nutty suet: Mixed with peanuts or other crushed nuts which many woodpeckers favor.
- Fruit-infused suet: Suet containing dried berries adds variety.
- Peanut butter suet: Offers additional protein and fats.
When choosing suet, look for formulations specifically designed for woodpeckers or make your own at home by mixing rendered fat with bird-safe ingredients.
Nuts: A Crunchy Delight
Woodpeckers love nuts, which are an excellent source of protein and fats. Peanuts are a favorite, especially when unsalted and shelled. You can provide nuts in mesh feeders or mixed into suet cakes.
Seeds: Adding Variety
Black oil sunflower seeds are preferred as they are nutrient-rich and easy for woodpeckers to handle with their strong bills. These seeds attract a wide range of woodpecker species.
Feeding Common Woodpeckers
Here are some of the common woodpecker species found in the United States and what foods they typically enjoy:
- Downy Woodpecker: Enjoys suet cakes, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
- Hairy Woodpecker: Similar feeding preferences to Downy but may require slightly larger suet pieces.
- Red-bellied Woodpecker: Loves suet, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and fruit.
- Northern Flicker: Attracted to suet and fruit, particularly apples.
- Red-headed Woodpecker: Prefers suet and nuts, but also enjoys fresh meat scraps occasionally.
Special Considerations for Pileated Woodpeckers
Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpecker in North America and have a more substantial appetite. They tend to forage on dead or decaying trees, searching for carpenter ants, their primary food source. However, they are also frequent visitors to feeders.
Food Recommendations for Pileated Woodpeckers:
- Large suet blocks or suet logs that can accommodate their size.
- Peanut butter suet with added nuts for extra protein.
- Whole peanuts or larger nut pieces.
- Special suet feeders designed to hang from branches or poles, giving them space to perch.
Pileated woodpeckers tend to be cautious, so placing feeders in quieter, more secluded areas of the yard can help attract them.
Setting Up Your Feeders
To successfully feed woodpeckers, consider the following tips:
- Use suet cages or mesh feeders specifically designed for woodpeckers.
- Hang feeders from trees or poles about 5–6 feet off the ground.
- Keep feeding areas clean to prevent disease.
- Rotate feeding spots occasionally to discourage squirrels.
Seasonal Feeding Tips
Woodpecker feeding can change with the seasons. In spring and summer, natural insect sources are plentiful, so supplemental feeding might be less necessary. In the fall and winter, calorie-rich foods like suet and nuts become crucial.
Feeding woodpeckers in your backyard is a joyful experience that adds vibrant life and natural music to your outdoor space. By providing the right foods, such as various types of suet, nuts, and seeds, you can attract and support a variety of woodpecker species, including the majestic pileated woodpecker. Remember to maintain your feeders and adapt your offerings seasonally to keep your feathered friends happy and returning. Start today, and you’ll soon be rewarded with memorable moments watching these fascinating birds thrive in your own backyard!