Woodpeckers are unique birds that are known for pecking on trees in search of insects and larvae hiding in the bark. While they spend most of their time in trees, woodpeckers may also visit bird feeders to supplement their diets with seed and nut offerings.
There are several factors that can attract woodpeckers to bird feeders in your backyard:
Offering Suet
Suet is a popular choice for attracting woodpeckers to feeders. Suet is made from beef fat and often contains seeds, nuts, fruits, or insects to provide nutrients that woodpeckers seek. Woodpeckers are especially drawn to suet feeders for the following reasons:
- High fat content – Woodpeckers need a high-fat diet, especially in winter when insects are scarce.
- Clinging surface – Suet feeders have a vertical surface that woodpeckers can cling to while pecking.
- Nourishment – Suet provides woodpeckers with protein from the fat and carbs from embedded nuts and seeds.
Suet feeders come in various styles, but woodpeckers prefer mesh bags or plugs that offer easy access. Hard suet cakes in cages are more difficult. Offering suet is one of the simplest ways to attract woodpeckers to your yard.
Feeders With Shelled Nuts
Woodpeckers also love nuts, so offering shelled peanut pieces or other nuts can entice them. Some tips for getting woodpeckers to feed on nuts include:
- Avoid mixes – Woodpeckers prefer feeders with just nuts rather than mixes with fillers like corn or milo.
- Shelled nuts – Since woodpeckers eat while perched, shelled nuts are easier for them to handle than nuts still in the shell.
- Small nut pieces – Chopped nuts, crushed peanuts, and peanut hearts give easy access.
- Mesh feeders – Nut pieces can be offered in mesh bags or trays for easy grasping while perched.
In addition to peanuts, try offering shelled almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and other nut varieties to attract woodpeckers.
Selecting Seed Types
While woodpeckers don’t feed primarily on seed, they may occasionally visit seed feeders. Consider these tips for seed selection:
- Skip mixes – Pick one or two seed types rather than commercial mixes.
- Avoid small seeds – Tiny seeds like millet won’t interest woodpeckers.
- Go for large – Select seeds and fruit that is large enough for a woodpecker to grasp and bite.
- Favorites – Some of their preferred seeds include cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and safflower seeds.
You can offer seeds in any type of feeder, but platform feeders may get more woodpecker traffic than tube feeders. Adding a suet feeder nearby can also draw them in.
Feeder Location
Where you place the feeder in your yard can influence how often woodpeckers visit. Here are some tips:
- Near trees – Position feeders within 6-10 feet of trees, posts, or other natural perches.
- Avoid obstructions – Choose spots with open sight lines approaching the feeders.
- Elevate – Install feeders at least 5 feet off the ground.
- Funnel – Place multiple feeders in a way that funnels woodpeckers toward protected areas.
Having feeders near both food sources (like suet) and perches (like trees) will best accommodate woodpeckers’ behaviors and make them feel comfortable visiting.
Offering Water
Like all birds, woodpeckers need a reliable water source. Providing a birdbath or fountain can make your yard even more attractive. Tips for bird water sources include:
- Fresh water – Change water at least every 2-3 days.
- Water movement – Add a fountain, mister, or dripper for movement.
- Open access – Ground-level, wide baths are easier to use than narrow pedestal baths.
- Dripping water – Add a water feature that creates dripping or flowing water.
- Clean – Keep water and baths clean of dirt, algae, and debris.
Locate water sources near trees and perches. The sound and motion of dripping or flowing water can be an added attraction.
Discouraging Squirrels
One challenge with attracting woodpeckers is competition from squirrels. Squirrels may take over feeders and scare away woodpeckers. You can use these strategies to discourage squirrels:
- Use squirrel baffles – Baffles are shields that prevent squirrels from climbing poles or gaining access.
- Try squirrel-proof feeders – Weight-sensitive or enclosed feeders limit accessibility for squirrels.
- Offer safflower seed – Safflower is less favored by squirrels.
- Place feeders further from trees – Keep feeders at least 6-10 feet away from trees and branches.
- Use natural repellents – Things like hot pepper powder or predator urine can deter squirrels.
While it’s impossible to fully squirrel-proof, using several deterrents can help woodpeckers compete for the food sources.
Choosing Woodpecker-Friendly Feeders
The style of bird feeder can impact how often woodpeckers come calling. When shopping for woodpecker feeders, look for these features:
- Perches – Built-in perches near feeding ports give woodpeckers a place to stand.
- Durable metal – Woodpeckers can damage plastic feeders and need metal construction.
- Feeding ports – Slits or mesh tubes allow access without displacement.
- Roofs – A roof offers protection from the elements.
- Easy cleaning – Fedders should come apart for cleaning and drying.
Hopper, window, or platform feeders designed with woodpeckers in mind will be most effective at attracting them.
Foods to Avoid
There are some foods you may want to avoid offering if your goal is to attract woodpeckers:
- Bread – Although wild birds will eat bread, it offers little nutritional value.
- Cheese – Can grow mold quickly in outdoor feeders.
- Pasta – Gets soggy and moldy without proper drainage.
- Rice – Swells with moisture and can ferment in feeders.
- Mealworms – Not a typical part of woodpecker diets.
Stick to foods that align with woodpeckers’ natural diets in the wild, like suet, nuts, and larger seeds. Keep feeders clean and dry.
Bird Calls and Drumming
In addition to food sources, woodpeckers are also drawn by the sounds of other woodpeckers. Bird calls and drumming can attract them for breeding and territorial purposes. You might try these techniques:
- Use woodpecker call playback – Recordings of tapping, chattering, and calls can attract them.
- Imitate drumming – Use items to mimic the drumroll sound of woodpeckers.
- Add woodpecker houses – Birch logs with holes drilled offer nesting sites.
- Leave dead trees – Snags provide natural drumming and roosting spots.
Pairing sound strategies with the right feeders and food will yield optimal results for bringing woodpeckers in.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers are uniquely charming backyard birds that come calling to yards that cater to their needs. By offering suet, nuts, and seed from specialized feeders near trees and water sources, you can create an attractive haven. Reduce competition from squirrels, avoid unsuitable foods, and use sound techniques to bring woodpeckers into view. With the right habitat, you’ll be rewarded by regular woodpecker visits.
