It’s not uncommon to spot a woodpecker perched on a hummingbird feeder, eagerly sipping the sweet nectar inside. While surprising, there are a few reasons why woodpeckers visit these feeders meant for tiny hummers.
Woodpeckers are Attracted to Sugar
The main reason woodpeckers stop by hummingbird feeders is because they are attracted to the sugar water inside. Hummingbird nectar is typically made by mixing 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water. This creates a sweet, sugary solution that appeals to hummers’ taste buds.
While not their main food source, woodpeckers also enjoy sugary foods. They have a taste for tree sap, fruit, and flower nectar. The presence of a sugar-water filled feeder in their environment is an enticing treat. The high-calorie nectar provides quick energy much like natural sources of sugar woodpeckers seek out.
Woodpeckers are Omnivores
In addition to wood, most woodpeckers have a varied diet consisting of insects, sap, nuts and fruit. They are considered omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter.
This gives them flexibility in terms of food sources. While sugary hummingbird nectar is not necessarily a normal part of a woodpecker’s diet, they are able to make use of an abundant new food source when it becomes available in their habitat.
Woodpeckers have Long, Sticky Tongues
A woodpecker’s most notable feature is their long, pointed beak. However, they also possess an equally impressive tongue. Woodpeckers have tongues that extend up to 4 inches long and are coated in sticky saliva.
This allows them to adeptly probe into crevices of wood, under bark, and into holes to extract insects and sap. Their unique tongues also enable them to easily lap up liquid nectar from hummingbird feeders.
Hummingbird Feeders are Designed Similarly to Natural Bird Feeders
There are natural sources of sugar water that wild birds readily feed on, such as certain flowers and fruit. Hummingbird feeders replicate these using a container and sugar water.
This artificial nectar source is not too unlike the natural nectar sources woodpeckers may feed from. So they instinctually recognize and make use of feeders designed for hummingbirds when encountering them.
Woodpeckers are Attracted to Red
Many hummingbird feeders are red or feature red elements, as this color is known to attract hummingbirds. However, red also happens to be attractive to woodpeckers.
Studies suggest that the color red triggers a neurological response in birds, signaling them to investigate. This innate tendency draws in woodpeckers to explore a vivid red hummingbird feeder they spot in passing.
Woodpeckers and Hummingbirds Coinhabit
In most parts of North America, ranges of woodpecker species overlap with popular hummingbird species. It is common for woodpeckers and hummingbirds to exist in the same environments.
So any feeders put out to attract local hummingbirds will inevitably capture the attention of woodpeckers living nearby as they go about their daily routines.
Woodpeckers are Larger and More Dominant
Woodpeckers tend to be much larger in size compared to tiny hummingbirds. For instance, a downy woodpecker may be 6-7 inches long with a 10 inch wingspan and weigh about an ounce.
Whereas a ruby-throated hummingbird is just 3-4 inches long with a wingspan of 3-4 inches and weighs a mere couple grams. The woodpecker’s greater size and strength allows it to bully hummingbirds away from feeders.
Woodpeckers Periodically Feed on More Than Just Wood
While the bulk of a woodpecker’s diet consists of boring into wood to extract insects and larvae, they cannot survive on this alone. They need supplemental nutrition from other sources to thrive.
Sipping nectar from hummingbird feeders or other plant food provides carbs and sugars woodpeckers benefit from. So periodic “snacking” on these food sources complements the wood-based diet that gives them their name.
Woodpeckers are Curious and Intelligent Birds
Woodpeckers possess very large brains for their size, an adaptation to their specialized tree-drilling lifestyle. This contributes to advanced intelligence and problem-solving skills.
Seeing an interesting new object like a hummingbird feeder, woodpeckers are driven by curiosity to land on it and investigate the sweet liquid inside. Their inquisitive nature draws them to the feeders.
Woodpeckers Have Learned to Associate Feeders with Food
In areas where hummingbird feeders are popular, woodpeckers have learned that the red feeders offer up delicious nectar. This positive reinforcement conditions them to seek out hummingbird feeders in their habitat.
Even young woodpeckers reared on feeders learn to recognize them as a food source, perpetuating feeder raiding behavior generation after generation in some cases.
Preventing Woodpeckers from Stealing Feeder Nectar
While having a woodpecker visit your hummingbird feeder may seem charming at first, they can quickly drain the nectar before hummingbirds get a chance to feed. Here are some tips to deter woodpeckers:
- Use feeders designed for hummingbirds – Smaller ports prevent larger woodpeckers from accessing the nectar.
- Employ feeder “shields” – Plastic shields or nets prevent woodpeckers from sitting on feeders.
- Scatter shiny objects near feeders – CDs, aluminum pie pans, or pinwheels deter woodpeckers from approaching.
- Apply non-toxic aromas – Woodpeckers dislike certain scents like lemon, garlic, and menthol.
- Install a suet feeder – Providing an alternate food source may lure woodpeckers away.
- Use only thinner nectar – Thin sugar water flows too slowly for woodpeckers to sip easily.
- Choose less-red feeders – Opt for other colors like yellow, green, orange, or blue.
- Move feeders often – Switching up feeder placement regularly keeps woodpeckers on their toes.
Why Woodpecker Raids are Hard to Stop Entirely
Even employing several deterrents, you may find woodpeckers still occasionally dropping in for a slurp of hummingbird nectar. There are a couple reasons why outwitting a woodpecker can be tricky:
- Intelligence – Woodpeckers have large brains and can problem-solve to thwart deterrents.
- Persistence – Once they associate feeders with food, they are determined to access it.
- Adaptability – Woodpeckers quickly get used to repellents and learn to overcome them.
- Stealth – Their specialized feet allow them to cling to feeders and sip nectar unnoticed.
Since hummingbird and woodpecker ranges overlap, and both are attracted to sugar water, complete separation at feeders is challenging. A small degree of woodpecker pilfering may be inevitable in some circumstances.
Providing Alternate Woodpecker Food Sources
One way to dissuade visiting woodpeckers is catering to their natural diet. Providing food sources besides your hummingbird feeders gives them alternative options:
- Suet feeders – Nutrient-dense suet satisfies woodpecker appetites.
- Insect feeders – Offer mealworms to appeal to their carnivorous side.
- Fruit – Try dispensing berries, grapes, apples or other produce.
- Sap wells – These devices mimic tree sap woodpeckers drink.
- Bark butter – Smearing peanut butter on bark mimics wood-dwelling insects.
Ensuring plentiful food availability from a variety of sources can help prevent woodpeckers from honing in on only your hummingbird nectar for sustenance.
Discouraging Nesting on Your Property
In addition to slurping feeder nectar, woodpeckers sometimes drill nesting holes in man-made structures. Prevent this destructive behavior by:
- Installing nest boxes – Provide appropriate nesting sites to reduce drilling.
- Using deterrents – Foil, wire, or repellent gels make surfaces less attractive.
- Blocking ledges – Eliminate potential nesting spots under eaves or ledges.
- Securing insulation – Protect fouled insulation with wire mesh or other barriers.
- Trimming trees – Remove dead branches and reduce nesting/food sites.
Deterring woodpeckers from damaging buildings starts with making your property a less appealing location for them to raise young. Offer better options besides your siding or deck.
Appreciating the Unique Abilities of Woodpeckers
While frustrating at hummingbird feeders, woodpeckers are truly remarkable birds perfectly adapted to their niche. Some cool woodpecker abilities include:
- Tree drilling – Powerful chiseling beaks and long tongues to extract wood-dwelling insects.
- Chiseling shock absorption – Unique skull/beak structure distributes woodpecker drumming force.
- Strong tails – Specialized tails brace them upright against tree trunks.
- Zygodactyl feet – Two forward-facing, two backward-facing toes provide a vice-like grip.
- Extendable tongues – Tongues up to 4 inches long with barbs to hook insect prey.
- Wood digestion – Acidic gut allows digestion of wood bits along with insects.
While antics at feeders can be irksome, woodpeckers are undeniably impressive birds finely tuned for their role in nature. Their unique traits and behaviors are a marvel of evolution.
Avoiding Harmful Methods of Repelling Woodpeckers
When attempting to prevent woodpeckers from visiting hummingbird feeders, it is important not to use any harmful methods. Some potentially dangerous tactics to avoid include:
- Using physical violence – Never strike or throw objects at woodpeckers. This is inhumane and illegal.
- Poisoning – Applying toxic chemicals to repel woodpeckers is dangerous to their health.
- Trapping – Capturing and relocating woodpeckers is usually ineffective and prohibited.
- Removing nests – Tampering with active nests and eggs is unlawful and unethical.
- Loud noises – Extremely loud sounds can damage woodpecker hearing and cause undue stress.
Always opt for harmless exclusion or repellent techniques. With some clever adaptations, woodpeckers and hummingbirds can peacefully coexist at feeders.
Enjoying Both Species of Birds
Even when woodpeckers are sipping nectar meant for hummingbirds, try to appreciate them and their unique behaviors.
Consider putting up separate suet or insect feeders specifically for woodpeckers positioned a distance from your hummingbird feeders. This gives them an alternative food source.
Both woodpeckers and hummingbirds are fascinating birds with specialized adaptations. Observing them interact can be an enriching part of the backyard birdwatching experience. There are opportunities to learn and find joy in each species.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers are naturally drawn to hummingbird feeders because of their taste for sugar, bold nature around food sources, and innate curiosity. While surprised to see them on specialized hummingbird feeders, their presence makes sense given their diverse diet and appetite for nectar.
Using tailored hummingbird feeders, deterrents and providing alternate foods can minimize woodpecker stealing. However, their intelligence and persistence means some feeder visits may be inevitable. Try to find the beauty in both birds, and see their contrasting sizes and styles as an opportunity to appreciate nature’s diversity.