What woodpeckers look for
Woodpeckers cling to tree trunks and prop themselves with their stiff tail feathers. Feeders that let them cling and brace tend to work best. The foods they most often take at feeders are suet, peanuts, black oil sunflower seed, and sometimes fruit, jelly or mealworms. Smaller woodpeckers such as downy woodpeckers will use almost any suet feeder. Larger species such as red-bellied, hairy and pileated woodpeckers (several are covered in our guide to birds with a red head) often prefer a feeder with a tail prop and more room.
Suet feeders
Suet is rendered animal fat, often pressed into cakes with seeds, nuts or fruit. Common styles include:
- Wire cage feeders. An inexpensive, simple option that holds a standard suet cake. Easy to hang and to refill.
- Suet log feeders. A wooden log with drilled holes you pack with suet. They look natural and woodpeckers take to them readily.
- Suet feeders with a tail prop. These add an extended panel below the cage so larger woodpeckers can brace their tails.
- Upside-down suet feeders. A cage with access from underneath. Woodpeckers can feed upside down, while starlings and house sparrows usually find it harder. See how to deter sparrows from feeders for related ideas.
In hot weather, plain suet can soften and go rancid. Rendered or “no-melt” suet products are often sold for summer, and it is wise to offer small amounts when it is warm.
Peanut and seed feeders
Woodpeckers also like shelled or in-shell peanuts. A wire mesh peanut feeder or tube works well because it lets them cling and pick out pieces. Black oil sunflower seed is another favorite and can be served in a tube, platform or hopper feeder. Choose unsalted peanuts for birds. Offer peanuts in mesh or tube feeders instead of loose on the ground, since whole peanuts can be a choking risk for small birds.
Feeders with tail props
A tail prop is a ledge, paddle or extended back panel that gives a woodpecker something to lean its tail against. Many feeders sold specifically for woodpeckers include one, and larger species appear to use them more. Features worth looking for:
- a sturdy tail prop long enough for the bigger species you see,
- enough space to cling comfortably,
- durable materials such as cedar or recycled plastic,
- a roof or cover that keeps rain off the food,
- easy refill and cleaning.
Other foods
Some woodpeckers also visit for orange halves, grape jelly in a small dish, dried or live mealworms, and sometimes peanut butter mixed into suet. Peanut butter is eaten by woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and jays, among others. Offer a small amount in a feeder made for it and avoid very sticky globs.
Placement
- Put feeders near trees or tall posts so woodpeckers can approach on a trunk-like surface.
- Quiet, slightly sheltered spots tend to get more visits than busy ones.
- Hang suet in shade where practical to slow melting.
Squirrels and starlings
Suet and peanuts attract squirrels, and starlings also like suet. Baffles, upside-down feeders and cage-style protection can help; see our guide on how to stop squirrels eating your bird food and the squirrel-proof feeder review. One commonly cited guideline for squirrels, the 5-7-9 rule, is to keep feeders about 5 feet high, 7 feet from launch points and 9 feet below overhead branches.
Woodpeckers at hummingbird feeders
Some woodpeckers drink nectar, and they can swing or empty hummingbird feeders. Ideas people try: provide a suet or jelly feeder nearby as an alternative, choose a hummingbird feeder with a small perch or no perch, and move the feeder to a spot without a trunk to cling to. Results vary by yard.
Quick picks
- Beginner: a basic wire suet cage plus a mesh peanut feeder.
- For larger woodpeckers: a suet feeder or log with a tail prop.
- If sparrows or starlings are a problem: an upside-down suet feeder.