Woodpeckers drinking hummingbird nectar is an unusual phenomenon that has recently been observed by birdwatchers and scientists. There are a few leading theories as to why this behavior is occurring:
Declining insect populations
One of the main food sources for woodpeckers is insects like beetles and ants, which they dig out of trees using their beaks. However, insect populations have been declining in many areas due to pesticide use, climate change, and habitat loss. As insects become harder to find, woodpeckers may be seeking out alternate food sources like hummingbird feeders.
High energy requirements
Woodpeckers have very high metabolisms and require a constant supply of energy. Hummingbird nectar, which is essentially liquid sugar, provides a quick and efficient energy boost. This may be especially important during breeding season when woodpeckers require extra calories.
Opportunistic feeding
Woodpeckers are omnivores and opportunistic feeders. If an easy food source like hummingbird feeders is readily available, they will take advantage of it. Woodpeckers have learned that these feeders provide a reliable source of nutrients.
Overlapping habitats
As forests have been fragmented by human development, woodpeckers and hummingbirds are being pushed into closer contact in the remaining wooded areas. This means woodpeckers frequently encounter hummingbird feeders and may develop a taste for the nectar.
Nutritional deficiencies
Some experts speculate that woodpeckers may be seeking out new food sources like hummingbird nectar to make up for nutritional deficiencies in their typical diets. For example, they may be lacking certain sugars, vitamins, or minerals.
Unusual weather patterns
Shifting weather patterns related to climate change may be affecting the availability of insects and other woodpecker foods. Longer winters or droughts may force woodpeckers to find alternate sustenance at hummingbird feeders.
Behavioral plasticity
Woodpeckers display a high degree of behavioral plasticity, meaning they are able to adapt their behaviors to changing environmental conditions pretty readily. Drinking from hummingbird feeders is just one example of their flexible and innovative foraging strategies.
Competition with hummingbirds
There is some evidence that woodpeckers may aggressively compete with hummingbirds for access to feeders. Woodpeckers are larger and may be able to bully hummingbirds away from prime feeding spots.
Enjoyment
It’s possible woodpeckers simply enjoy the novel and sweet taste of hummingbird nectar. Avian taste preferences are not well understood and woodpeckers may have developed a liking for the sucrose-rich substance.
Curiosity
Woodpeckers are lively, intelligent birds. Trying out novel food sources like hummingbird feeders may be driven in part by curiosity or boredom with typical woodpecker fare like insects.
Confusion
There is a theory that woodpeckers may be confusing hummingbird feeders for tree flowers or sap flows. The red coloration of many feeders may simulate natural food sources like red tree flowers.
Conclusion
There is still much research needed to understand fully why woodpeckers have started visiting hummingbird feeders. The most likely explanations involve changing food availability and opportunistic foraging. As climate change alters ecosystems and birds’ habitats, we may see even more novel interspecies interactions like woodpeckers drinking hummingbird nectar.
Woodpecker Species Known to Drink Hummingbird Nectar
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Red-bellied woodpecker | Melanerpes carolinus |
| Downy woodpecker | Dryobates pubescens |
| Hairy woodpecker | Dryobates villosus |
| Red-headed woodpecker | Melanerpes erythrocephalus |
| Northern flicker | Colaptes auratus |
| Pileated woodpecker | Dryocopus pileatus |
At least six different woodpecker species have been documented drinking from hummingbird feeders, as shown in the table above. The most commonly reported woodpeckers engaging in this behavior are red-bellied woodpeckers and downy woodpeckers. However, hairy, red-headed, northern flickers, and pileated woodpeckers also occasionally pilfer hummingbird nectar.
These species are widespread throughout North America and commonly overlap with hummingbird ranges. Both woodpeckers and hummingbirds are specialized nectar-eaters, possessing long tongues to lap up liquid. So from an anatomical perspective, woodpeckers are well-adapted to take advantage of the calorie-rich hummingbird food.
While larger woodpecker species like pileated only occasionally supplement with hummingbird nectar, smaller woodpeckers seem to have made a habit of visiting feeders. In fact, some ornithologists speculate smaller woodpecker species may rely on feeders as a primary food source during tough times. More research is needed to better understand to what extent different woodpeckers have come to depend on this novel food.
Impacts on Hummingbirds
The implications of woodpeckers drinking from hummingbird feeders for hummingbird populations are not fully clear. Some potential impacts include:
Competition for food resources
Woodpeckers often aggressively chase hummingbirds away from feeders, reducing access to nectar for weaker and younger birds. However, well-stocked feeders generally have enough for both species.
Disease transmission
Close contact at crowded feeders could potentially facilitate transmission of diseases between woodpecker and hummingbird species.
Disruption of migration patterns
Abundant feeders may discourage hummingbird migration or alter timing and routes. However, habitat loss is a greater factor in changing migrations.
Reliance on artificial feeders
Hummingbirds could become dependent on human-provided feeders rather than natural nectar sources.
Changes in pollination
Less time spent gathering natural nectar may impact hummingbird pollination of native plants.
Altered feeding behaviors
Easy access to plentiful nectar may change hummingbird foraging habits and reduce time spent searching for insect prey.
Conclusion
Most experts believe hummingbirds are not substantially negatively impacted by woodpecker competition at this point. However, more study is warranted, especially since woodpecker visitation to feeders seems to be increasing. Maintaining multiple clean, well-stocked feeders can help reduce conflict and ensure both species get adequate nutrition.
Tips for Deterring Woodpeckers
If woodpeckers are excessively disrupting your hummingbird feeders, there are some deterrents you can try:
Use safflower seed
Safflower is less appealing to woodpeckers. Gradually transition your feeders to contain more safflower than sugar water.
Employ feeder guards
Plastic mesh guards can obstruct larger woodpeckers while still allowing hummingbird access.
Move feeders frequently
Switching up feeder locations makes it harder for woodpeckers to establish a routine.
Use flashing lights or sounds
Try deterrents like hanging CDs, pinwheels, or fake owls near feeders. However, these may also scare away hummingbirds.
Apply woodpecker repellent gel
Non-toxic gels spread on feeders create a sticky surface woodpeckers dislike.
Provide alternative food sources
Supply suet feeders or mix in mealworms to divert woodpeckers away from the hummingbird nectar.
Use feeders with built-in perches
Perched feeders allow hummingbirds to rest and feed without larger woodpeckers gaining access.
Conclusion
Deterring problematic woodpecker behavior while still welcoming hummingbirds takes patience. Focus first on meeting woodpecker needs with better habitat and food sources apart from hummingbird feeders. Then experiment with different gentle deterrents and feeder set-ups to find the right balance for your yard.
