Enjoy Woodpeckers!

 

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What a variety of woodpeckers there are—twenty three species are found in various parts of the U.S.! Woodpeckers are considered a “core” species and are important to other birds, such as chickadees, titmice and other birds that use old woodpecker cavities for nesting sites. Unfortunately, the dead trees that woodpeckers require for nesting are continuously being removed in suburban areas and for development. If you are a landowner, keeping dead trees standing can help woodpeckers significantly and also the other birds that depend on their abandoned nesting holes.

Red-bellied on our #2549 Tail Prop Suet Feeder
Woodpeckers, sapsuckers and flickers all share similar traits: a sharp bill to excavate nesting cavities in trees, to drill for insects and to drum against trees (or buildings!) to declare territories and attract mates.  And they have stiff tail feathers that they use to support their bodies as they cling vertically to trees with sharp claws. Depending on the specific bird, they will have at least one toe pointing backwards, most often two. Woodpeckers have extremely long tongues to reach insects deep in the crevices of tree bark and feathers over their nostrils to keep out wood particles as they excavate nesting holes.
 
Here are some fun facts about a few interesting woodpeckers:
 
Acorn woodpeckers of the west and southwest have an interesting habit of drilling holes in trees to store acorns in them for winter use. And colonies will use the same “storage tree”, called a granary, year after year. One tree could have as many as 50,000 holes, which are filled each autumn. Here’s a granary in a telephone pole!
 
 
The flashy Red-headed woodpecker is an aggressive bird that stores its food and is the only woodpecker that covers its cache with wood or bark. They’ll even store live grasshoppers and wedge them into crevices so tightly that they can’t escape.
 
The cute little Downy woodpecker is found all over the U.S. and is our smallest woodpecker. The male has a red patch on the back of his head. They’re a social little bird and they’re frequently found in the company of chickadees, nuthatches and other birds. Downys feed on the smaller insects that larger woodpeckers can’t access—such as fly larvae in goldenrod
stems.
 
Gila woodpeckers of the southwest excavate cavities in mesquite trees or saguaro cactus. The cavities are left to dry out inside before they are used for nesting. After the woodpeckers are done using the cavities, other birds will occupy them, such as the tiny Elf owl.
 
And how about the amazing Pileated Woodpecker?  Our largest woodpecker, their sheer size alone makes them the kings and queens of the woodpecker world.  Have you ever heard one drumming? (Pileated on Duncraft's #1705 Tail Prop Suet Feeder)
 
So, how can you attract interesting woodpeckers to your yard? Woodpeckers seem most attracted to suet, and they also like peanuts and peanut bits or any seed mix with lots of “tree nuts” such as  almonds, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. Feed peanut and fruit flavored suet cakes in a basket feeder, or in a “tail prop” feeder. Tail props allow woodpeckers to feed comfortably, using their tails for support and balance—just like they do on trees. Peanuts can be offered in special peanut feeders, or on a platform feeder.  Keep in mind that woodpeckers are big birds that like to cling. They’re uncomfortable on small tube feeders. Any feeder that allows them to cling to feed would be a good choice. Have fun enjoying woodpeckers!
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I would like a pileated wood pecker suet feeder and suet for Christmas.

Lisa

Posted by Ryan on Monday, November 3, 2008 08:37 AM

WE HAVE FLICKERS AND DOWNY WOODPECKERS ALL DAY LONG.
ONE WINTER WE SAW A PILEATED WOODPECKER, WHAT A TREAT.

WE ALSO FEED CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES, WRENS, TUFFED TITMOUSE, FINCHES, CARDINALS AND BLUE JAYS.

IT SURE HELPS TO GET THROUGH THE WINTER. THEY BRING SUNSHINE TO MY WINTER DAYS.

Posted by NANCY on Monday, November 24, 2008 11:11 AM

We are having a cold and snowy December so I have been putting out lots of food for my feathered friends. I love my woodpeckers! One day I looked out and I had three types of woodpeckers taking turns feeding on the suet. Downy, Hairy and red bellied woodpeckers - it was awesome to see them all at one time.

I also get the occassional red headed woodpecker.

Another day last summer I saw a Hairy woodpecker feeding a smaller woodpecker which I had never seen before. They are always interesting!

Posted by Debra Powless on Sunday, December 28, 2008 10:41 AM

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