Woodpeckers are unique birds that require specialized feeding stations to meet their needs. Their strong beaks allow them to drill into trees to find insects, so typical bird feeders don’t always work for them. When choosing a bird feeder for woodpeckers, there are a few key factors to consider.
Types of Woodpecker Feeders
There are three main types of bird feeders designed specifically for woodpeckers:
- Suet feeders – These offer high-fat suet cakes that woodpeckers love. They have cages to hold the suet in place so woodpeckers can cling to it.
- Mesh peanut feeders – These allow woodpeckers to grab whole peanuts through the mesh. The small holes keep larger birds away.
- Tube feeders – Specific tube models have larger ports and perches to accommodate woodpeckers.
Important Features
When selecting any type of woodpecker feeder, there are a few key features to look for:
- Durability – Woodpecker feeders need to stand up to those strong beaks. Metal construction is best.
- Tail props – Woodpeckers need a place to brace their stiff tails while feeding, so look for feeders with built-in tail props.
- Large perches – Wide, textured perches give woodpeckers something solid to cling to.
- Raised ports – Elevated feeding ports positioned up the sides suit the way woodpeckers eat.
Best Suet Feeders for Woodpeckers
Suet feeders attract a variety of woodpeckers and provide the high-calorie food they need in winter. Here are top options:
Suet Feeder | Description |
---|---|
Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF3 Cylinder 3-Cake Copper Feeder | Copper cylinder model with large tail prop and big perches. Holds 3 suet cakes. |
Brome 1024 Squirrel Buster Standard Wild Bird Feeder with 6″ Metal Mesh Cage | Cheaper cage model that keeps out squirrels. Adjustable for 1 or 2 cakes. |
Perky Pet PP250C Panorama Copper Triple Suet Feeder | Offers 3 suet capacity. Copper panels accommodate clinging. |
Top Mesh Peanut Feeders
Mesh peanut feeders cater to woodpeckers’ love of nuts. Recommended models include:
Peanut Feeder | Description |
---|---|
Aspects 409 Sienna Advanced Suet Bird Feeder | Holds up to 5 cups of nuts with steel mesh. Large tail prop area. |
Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder | Weight-sensitive perch deters squirrels. Holds over 1 quart of nuts. |
Songbird Essentials SE605 Seed Hooded Hopper Bird Feeder | Angled mesh allows birds to access nuts but not squirrels. |
Tube Feeders for Woodpeckers
Specific tube feeder designs cater to woodpeckers’ feeding behaviors. Look for these features:
- At least 1.5 inch diameter ports
- Steel ports with raised edges
- Large textured perches
- Long tail props
- Squirrel guards
Models that include these woodpecker-friendly adaptations include:
Tube Feeder | Description |
---|---|
Woodlink Going Green Platform Bird Feeder | Heavy duty option with big base and ports. Holds 5 pounds of seed. |
Songbird Essentials SEE102 Seed Tube Wild Bird Feeder | Angled ports and perches suit woodpeckers. Squirrel resistant. |
Gray Bunny GB-6882 Premium Tube Bird Feeder | Extra large steel ports. Removable squirrel guard. |
Feeder Placement Tips
Proper placement is also key to attracting woodpeckers. Follow these tips:
- Set feeders at least 6-10 feet off the ground near trees.
- Avoid placement near brush or long grass where predators lurk.
- Add a tree guard to stop squirrels and other thieves.
- Orient ports to encourage natural clinging positions.
- Add multiple feeders in different spots to reduce competition.
Right Diet for Woodpeckers
Offering woodpeckers the foods they love is vital. Fill your feeders with:
- Suet – Supplies fat birds need for winter warmth and energy.
- Peanuts – A nut woodpeckers adore. Go for whole peanuts in the shell.
- Black oil sunflower seeds – A high-fat favorite that attracts woodpeckers.
- Mealworms – Live or driedmealworms provide tasty protein.
- Fruit – Try dried raisins, berries, apples and oranges.
Conclusion
Attracting woodpeckers to your yard takes the right feeder design and food. Look for durable metal feeders with features like big perches, tail props, raised ports, and squirrel guards. Offer suet, nuts, black oil sunflower seeds, fruit, and mealworms. Place feeders near trees at woodpecker height. With the right feeders and foods, you’ll be rewarded with busy woodpeckers at your backyard buffet.