Woodpeckers are colorful, interesting birds that add excitement to backyards across North America. With their loud drumming and characteristic pecking on trees, poles, and houses, woodpeckers make their presence known. This distinctive behavior leads many bird enthusiasts to wonder if woodpeckers actively keep smaller birds away from feeders.
The Aggressive Nature of Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are territorial birds that are known to be aggressive, especially when defending their territory or food sources. This aggression is frequently directed towards other woodpeckers but can also target smaller bird species. There are a few reasons why woodpeckers exhibit this behavior:
- They are protective of their territory and food sources. Woodpeckers will work to defend areas where they roost, nest, and find food.
- They are solitary birds outside of breeding season. They do not live or interact in flocks, which can make them unfriendly to other birds.
- They are larger and stronger than many other backyard birds. With large, powerful beaks and sharp claws, woodpeckers can intimidate other species.
- They are bold and competitive when it comes to food. Woodpeckers will consumption a lot of food and will be aggressive around feeders.
Due to these tendencies, woodpeckers sometimes seem to harass or bully smaller songbirds that are trying to access feeders. Their aggressive posture and loud vocalizations can startle other birds away. They may physically jab at or lunge towards birds to keep them away.
Warning Off Other Birds
Woodpeckers will give visual and audible warnings to ward off other birds from their territory. Drumming, loud calling, wing-flapping, crest-raising, and aggressive posturing are ways woodpeckers communicate dominance. These behaviors serve to announce that they are present and in charge.
Competing for Resources
Woodpeckers can be extremely competitive over food resources. This reflects the large amount of food they require – up to 1/4 of their body weight daily! They will actively compete with other birds at feeders in order to consume as much as possible.
Defending Nest Sites
Woodpeckers will become especially aggressive during breeding season while defending their nest cavity. They will chase away birds that come too close to their nest, especially competitors looking for a nesting site.
Do Woodpeckers Actually Keep Birds Away?
While woodpeckers exhibit aggressive behavior towards other birds, whether or not they actively keep birds away from feeders is debatable. Here are some factors to consider:
Impact is Limited
Research has found mixed results in terms of woodpeckers deterring other bird species at feeders. Some studies show marginal or no impact while others show a more significant effect.
Small Birds Learn to Avoid
Small birds can learn to avoid antagonistic woodpeckers by visiting feeders at different times. This minimizes direct conflict while still allowing access to feeders.
Feeder Design Matters
Specific feeder designs, placement, and capacity can reduce competition between woodpeckers and other birds.
Abundant Food Reduces Conflict
Well-stocked feeders provide enough food for all birds to reduce food competition. Squirrel-proof feeders also help since squirrels are another competitor.
Food Preferences Vary
Different species prefer different foods. Providing multiple food options can allow multiple species to use feeders without competing.
Benefits of Woodpecker Presence
While they may be aggressive, woodpeckers also confer benefits such as insect control and pollination. Their presence deters predators like hawks and cats.
Tips for Minimizing Woodpecker Impact
If woodpeckers are excessively impacting other birds at your feeders, there are some steps you can take:
Provide Abundant, Varied Food
Make sure feeders are consistently full with different food types preferred by various species. Prioritize suet, nuts, and fruit.
Use Feeder Designs that Accommodate Different Birds
Platform feeders, hopper feeders, tube feeders, and suet feeders can allow access for different birds. Set up feeders in different spots.
Discourage Woodpecker Domination
Use feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close access to heavier woodpeckers. Avoid very large platform feeders.
Set Up a Suet Feeder for Woodpeckers
Give woodpeckers their own suet feeder away from other feeders to reduce competition.
Provide Sheltered Feeding Areas
Use screened pavilions or shrubs to create sheltered feeding zones where small birds can avoid woodpecker aggression.
Consider a Squirrel Baffle
Discourage both squirrels and larger birds by installing a squirrel baffle above feeders.
Supplement with Fruit and Nectar
Fruit and nectar feeders for hummingbirds and orioles appeal less to woodpeckers.
Spread Out Multiple Feeders
Distribute feeders widely across your yard to create different feeding territories.
The Verdict
Woodpeckers are strongly territorial and competitive birds who will actively harass other species around feeders. However, the degree to which they discourage other birds is debatable and depends on many factors. With smart feeder placement and enough food variety, both woodpeckers and smaller birds can be accommodated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are woodpeckers so aggressive towards other birds?
Woodpeckers are aggressive because they are solitary, territorial birds who compete for resources. They are protective of food sources and nesting cavities especially. Their loud vocalizations and physical harassment are meant to intimidate.
Do woodpeckers attack hummingbirds?
Yes, woodpeckers may attack hummingbirds to keep them away from feeders or food sources. Hummingbirds are persistent though and can learn to avoid conflict while still accessing feeders.
Which birds do woodpeckers dislike most?
Woodpeckers are most aggressive towards other woodpeckers and competitors like flickers, nuthatches, and chickadees. They also dislike birds that may steal their nest sites like swifts, swallows, starlings, and sparrows.
How do you stop woodpeckers from dominating feeders?
Use weight-sensitive perches, multiple feeder types in many locations, suet feeders just for woodpeckers, and squirrel baffles. Supplement with fruit and nectar feeders. Also provide excess food to reduce competition.
What are the benefits of woodpeckers at feeders?
Woodpeckers provide insect control by consuming beetle larvae and other pests. They pollinate flowers and disperse seeds as they move between trees. Woodpeckers may also chase away predators.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers are aggressive, territorial birds that will actively harass other species around bird feeders. Their loud calls, drumming, and physical attacks are meant to intimidate and ward off competitors. However, smaller birds can coexist with woodpeckers through intelligent feeder placement and providing enough food variety. The benefits woodpeckers provide can outweigh the challenges they present at feeders.
Sources
- Audubon Society – How to Get Along With Woodpeckers at Your Feeders
- The Spruce – How to Stop Woodpeckers From Dominating Your Feeders
- Bird Watcher’s Digest – Do Woodpeckers Scare Away Small Birds?
- Stokes Birding Blog – Making Peace Between Woodpeckers and Hummingbirds
- Backyard Bird Nerd – Do Woodpeckers Bully Other Birds at Feeders?