Quick Answer
Woodpeckers do sometimes drink from hummingbird feeders, though they tend to prefer other food sources. Hummingbird nectar is essentially sugar water, which can provide woodpeckers with a quick energy boost. However, it lacks the nutrition and protein woodpeckers need from insects and tree sap. While hummers can survive on nectar alone, woodpeckers require a more varied diet. So while woodpeckers may opportunistically drink from hummingbird feeders, they likely do so only as a supplemental food source.
Do woodpeckers eat at hummingbird feeders?
Yes, woodpeckers have been observed drinking nectar from hummingbird feeders from time to time. The sweet liquid provides them with a quick source of energy in the form of sugar.
Some of the woodpecker species seen feeding at hummingbird feeders include:
Downy woodpeckers
At around 6-7 inches in length, downy woodpeckers are one of the smallest woodpecker species. They are common at backyard feeders, especially suet feeders, and may also sample the nectar in hummingbird feeders.
Hairy woodpeckers
Slightly larger than downy woodpeckers at 9-11 inches long, hairy woodpeckers also visit backyard bird feeders. They occasionally drink from hummingbird feeders.
Red-bellied woodpeckers
Common across eastern North America, red-bellied woodpeckers are medium-sized birds about 9-10 inches in length. Their distinctive zebra-striped backs make them easily recognizable. They are sometimes attracted to hummingbird nectar.
Northern flickers
Northern flickers are woodpeckers that feed primarily on the ground, eating ants and beetles from lawns and fields. They may visit hummingbird feeders for a nectar snack, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce.
Sapsuckers
Sapsucker woodpeckers, including red-naped, yellow-bellied, and Williamson’s sapsuckers, drill holes in tree bark to feed on sap. They lick up sap andcaught insects with their brush-like tongues. Sapsuckers may supplement this diet by feeding at hummingbird feeders.
Pileated woodpeckers
The largest woodpecker in North America at 16-19 inches long, the striking pileated woodpecker occasionally feeds at hummingbird feeders. These dramatic birds use their heavy chisel-like bills to hammer on trees.
So in general, smaller woodpecker species that already frequent backyard bird feeders are most likely to sample hummingbird nectar on occasion. Larger woodpeckers like pileated woodpeckers may also drink from the feeders when the opportunity arises.
Why do woodpeckers visit hummingbird feeders?
Woodpeckers visit hummingbird feeders to drink the sugar-water nectar as a supplementary food source and quick energy boost.
Here are some of the main reasons woodpeckers drink at hummingbird feeders:
- High-energy food source – The sucrose-rich nectar provides woodpeckers with a rapid source of energy from sugars.
- Low effort meal – Drinking nectar from a feeder is quick and easy compared to drilling into trees or digging for insects.
- Supplemental to normal diet – Woodpeckers get most of their nutrition from insects and tree sap. Nectar offers variety.
- Readily available – Backyard hummingbird feeders provide a convenient, predictable food source.
- Curiosity – Woodpeckers may sample novel food items out of curiosity when given the chance.
- Opportunistic feeding – Woodpeckers will take advantage of easy, abundant food sources when available.
So while woodpeckers certainly appreciate the snack, hummingbird nectar alone does not provide all the nutrition they need. Woodpeckers must keep eating primarily insects, sap, fruits, and nuts to meet their dietary requirements.
Do woodpeckers need nectar?
Woodpeckers do not need nectar to survive in the way hummingbirds do. Hummingbirds get most or all of their nutrition from flower nectar. In contrast, woodpeckers have a varied omnivorous diet centered around insects and tree sap.
Here are some key differences between woodpecker and hummingbird diets:
Woodpeckers | Hummingbirds |
---|---|
Eat mainly insects and other invertebrates | Eat mainly nectar from flowers |
Also eat tree sap, nuts, fruits, and seeds | Also eat small insects for protein |
Drink nectar opportunistically | Depend on nectar for energy needs |
May visit hummingbird feeders | Seek out hummingbird feeders |
While hummingbirds need nectar and seek it out deliberately, woodpeckers just supplement their normal diet with it when convenient. Woodpeckers can meet their complete nutritional needs from insects, sap, nuts, fruits, and seeds.
Do woodpeckers harm hummingbird feeders or compete with hummers?
Woodpeckers do not usually damage hummingbird feeders. Occasional woodpecker visits are harmless. However, a large woodpecker population constantly feeding may drain nectar before hummers can feed.
Here are some ways woodpeckers and hummingbirds interact at feeders:
- Woodpeckers lick nectar with their tongues rather than inserting long bills, so they do not damage the feeding ports.
- Woodpeckers may temporarily displace hummingbirds if they take over a feeder.
- Higher nectar consumption may require refilling feeders more often.
- Woodpeckers may limit nectar access for dominant hummingbird species.
- Frequent woodpecker presence may discourage hummer visits if the feeder is often occupied.
To prevent excessive woodpecker use, consider these tips:
- Use feeders with short perches better suited to hummingbirds.
- Place feeders in open spaces away from trees and poles where woodpeckers perch.
- Use feeders with feeding ports accessible only by long hummingbird beaks.
- Discourage woodpeckers with deterrents like reflective tape or streamers.
- Provide alternative food sources like suet to divert woodpeckers.
With some adjustments, hummingbird feeders can accommodate both species. The two birds can coexist with minimal
competition.
Tips for dealing with woodpeckers at hummingbird feeders
Here are some recommended tips to deter excessive woodpecker visits to hummingbird feeders:
- Use saucer-style feeders without perches, which make it harder for woodpeckers to access the nectar.
- Select feeders with long, narrow feeding ports accessible only by hummingbird beaks.
- Move feeders away from woodpecker perches like trees, fence posts, and rain gutters.
- Try deterrents like reflective tape, aluminium pie pans, or streamers near the feeder.
- Provide an alternate food source like suet to distract woodpeckers away from the hummingbird feeder.
- Use woodpecker-resistant feeder ports to restrict access.
- Consider a cage-style feeder that surrounds the nectar reservoir.
- Monitor the feeder and shoo away woodpeckers to discourage them from returning regularly.
- Offer separate nectar feeders for woodpeckers positioned away from hummingbird feeders.
- Be willing to accept occasional woodpecker visits as harmless.
With some strategic feeder placement and deterrents, hummingbird feeders can be made woodpecker-resistant without completely excluding them. A balanced approach allows both birds to benefit.
Conclusion
While woodpeckers and hummingbirds both enjoy sugary nectar, woodpeckers do not rely on it the way hummingbirds do. Woodpeckers visit hummingbird feeders opportunistically as a supplement, not a dietary necessity. Their lick-feeding method does not damage feeders. Though woodpeckers may temporarily distract hummers from feeders, the two birds can coexist peacefully with some adjustments. By understanding their different feeding behaviors and nutritional needs, we can meet the needs of both species through thoughtful feeder placement, deterrents, and tolerance of occasional woodpecker visitors. With a few simple modifications, our backyard hummingbird feeders can become a shared resource appreciated by hummers and woodpeckers alike.