Black-backed woodpeckers (Picoides arcticus) are medium-sized woodpeckers found in coniferous forests across North America. They get their name from the prominent black feathers on their backs. These striking birds play an important ecological role in consuming wood-boring beetle larvae from dead and dying trees. However, due to habitat loss, black-backed woodpeckers have declined in some parts of their range. If you live in an area where black-backed woodpeckers reside, you may want to try attracting them to your property. Here is some key information on how to attract black-backed woodpeckers:
Provide dead and dying conifer trees
The most important factor in attracting black-backed woodpeckers is providing appropriate habitat – specifically, dead and dying conifer trees. Black-backed woodpeckers nest in live conifer trees but forage primarily on dead and dying ones. They use their strong beaks to excavate into the wood in search of wood-boring beetle larvae, which make up the bulk of their diet. Some key tips for providing good black-backed woodpecker habitat:
- Allow dead standing trees (snags) to remain on your property, or girdle live trees to create snags.
- Retain dying trees that have signs of beetle activity, such as pitch tubes or boring dust.
- Focus on leaving larger snags (15″+ diameter), as these contain more beetle larvae.
- Prioritize leaving snags in a sunny location, which generates more wood-boring insect activity.
Having at least 3-5 snags per acre, with a mix of tree species including pine, spruce, and fir, will provide essential foraging and nesting habitat.
Put up nest boxes
In addition to natural dead tree habitat, specially designed nest boxes can provide supplemental cavities for nesting black-backed woodpeckers. These nest boxes should:
- Be made of untreated rough-cut wood at least 3/4″ thick.
- Have entrance holes 2-3” in diameter without perches.
- Contain 2-3” of wood shavings or chips at the bottom.
- Be placed at least 15’ high on snags or live conifer trees.
Position the entrance hole on the underside of the nest box and make sure to clean out old nesting material in the fall. You can increase the chances of occupation by coating the interior front panel with a mix of pine pitch and wood dust.
Leave woody debris on the ground
Black-backed woodpeckers spend a lot of time foraging on fallen logs and branches on the forest floor. Leaving woody debris in place provides habitat for their beetle prey and potential nesting sites. Piles of brush and larger downed logs are particularly attractive. Avoid excessive tidying up of the ground layer in coniferous areas.
Use audio lures
Setting up speakers to broadcast the calls and drumming of black-backed woodpeckers can help draw them into your property. Use predawn territorial calls and intermittent drumming sounds during the day. Make sure the volume is not too loud and varies to sound natural. Portable wireless speakers allow you to move the audio lure around your property.
Install feeders
Black-backed woodpeckers are not as easily attracted to bird feeders as other backyard birds. But they will occasionally visit suet feeders, particularly in winter when beetle larvae are less available. Look for suet cages tailored to woodpeckers that allow them to cling while feeding. Make sure to keep suet stocked and switch it out regularly in warm weather.
Follow seasonal timing
Black-backed woodpeckers are most actively nesting and foraging in the late spring and summer. Focus your habitat improvements and audio lures during this prime season. In winter, they roam more widely searching for food. Stocking suet feeders can help draw them in during the colder months when beetles are scarce.
Limit disturbance
Black-backed woodpeckers are sensitive to human disturbance, particularly around nest sites. Try to avoid too much disruptive activity near habitat you’re managing for them. For example, restrict tree removal to outside of nesting season, keep trails distant from snags, and don’t use audio lures too close to nest trees. With minimal disruption, these reclusive forest woodpeckers may feel comfortable taking up residence.
Partner with nature
Providing the habitat conditions favored by black-backed woodpeckers benefits more than just this one bird species. You’ll also be supporting wood-boring beetles, other insect-eaters, cavity-nesters, and organizing ecological succession. Your property will gain greater wildlife diversity by partnering with the natural rhythms of death and decay in coniferous forests.
Conclusion
Attracting the shy and specialized black-backed woodpecker requires mimicking the dead and dying coniferous forest habitat on which it depends. Focus on retaining large snags and dying trees, especially pines, firs, and spruces. Supplement with nest boxes, woody debris, suet feeders, and audio lures. Avoid excessive disturbance and time management efforts for peak nesting season. With a properly structured and undisturbed habitat, black-backed woodpeckers may reward your efforts with a sighting of their unique black and white plumage and an opportunity to watch them busily excavate for beetles. By supporting this fascinating woodpecker, your property also gains greater wildlife diversity and ecological health.