If you love watching woodpeckers visit your backyard, you probably wonder what bird seed they prefer. Choosing the right seed can bring these fascinating birds closer to your feeder, giving you a front-row seat to their unique behavior.
You’ll discover exactly what bird seed woodpeckers eat and how to attract them easily. Keep reading to turn your yard into a woodpecker hotspot!
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Woodpecker Diet Basics
Woodpeckers eat a variety of foods to meet their energy needs. Their diet changes depending on the season and food availability. Understanding what they eat helps with feeding them properly.
Many people wonder what type of bird seed woodpeckers prefer. This guide explains their natural food choices and how their diet shifts throughout the year.
Natural Food Preferences
Woodpeckers mainly eat insects and nuts but also enjoy some seeds. They use their strong beaks to find food under tree bark. Their natural diet keeps them healthy and active.
- Insects like beetles, ants, and larvae
- Tree nuts such as acorns and hickory nuts
- Sunflower seeds, especially black oil sunflower
- Sap from trees, which some woodpecker species like
- Fruits and berries when available
Seasonal Variations In Diet
Woodpeckers change their diet depending on the season. Insects are more common in spring and summer. Seeds and nuts become important in fall and winter.
| Season | Main Food Types |
| Spring | Insects and larvae |
| Summer | Insects and fruits |
| Fall | Nuts and seeds |
| Winter | Seeds and tree sap |
Popular Seeds For Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers eat a variety of seeds that provide good energy. Offering the right seeds helps attract these birds to your yard.
Many people choose seeds based on what woodpeckers like best. Below are some popular seeds that woodpeckers enjoy eating.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a favorite for many woodpeckers. They have a high fat content that gives birds energy.
Black oil sunflower seeds are especially popular because the shells are thin and easy to crack.
- High in fat and protein
- Thin shells for easy eating
- Attracts many woodpecker species
Peanuts And Peanut Pieces
Woodpeckers love peanuts because they are rich in protein and fat. Whole peanuts or pieces both work well.
Use unsalted peanuts to keep the birds safe. Peanuts also help woodpeckers stay strong during cold months.
- Good protein source
- Use unsalted peanuts only
- Attracts woodpeckers and other birds
Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds have a hard shell that woodpeckers like to peck open. These seeds have a mild taste.
Many woodpeckers enjoy safflower seeds, and these seeds can also keep away squirrels and some other birds.
- Hard shell for pecking
- Mild, slightly bitter taste
- Less attractive to squirrels
Specialty Seeds And Mixes
Woodpeckers eat many types of seeds. Some seeds are better for them than others. Specialty seeds and mixes attract woodpeckers well.
These seeds offer nutrients and tastes that woodpeckers like. Using the right mix helps bring these birds to your yard.
Nyjer Seeds
Nyjer seeds are small and rich in oil. They are popular with many small birds. Woodpeckers enjoy them too.
These seeds are easy to eat and provide good energy. Use a special feeder to keep Nyjer seeds from falling out.
Suet And Seed Combinations
Suet offers fat and protein. Mixing suet with seeds makes a tasty treat for woodpeckers. This mix is good in cold weather.
Woodpeckers peck the suet to get seeds inside. It helps them stay strong and active. Many mixes include sunflower seeds or peanuts.
- Suet with sunflower seeds
- Suet with peanuts
- Suet with cracked corn
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Choosing The Right Feeder
Woodpeckers have unique feeding habits. Choosing the right feeder helps attract them.
Feeders that hold their favorite seeds and suit their feeding style work best.
Feeder Types For Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers like feeders that hold suet or sunflower seeds. Tube feeders with large ports also work well.
- Suet feeders:Hold blocks of suet, a favorite food.
- Platform feeders:Open trays where seeds like sunflower are spread out.
- Tube feeders:With large openings for bigger seeds.
- Peanut feeders:Designed to hold peanuts, another woodpecker favorite.
Placement Tips
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Place feeder near trees | Woodpeckers feel safe and can perch easily |
| Keep feeder visible | Birds spot it from a distance |
| Mount feeder 5-6 feet high | Protects from predators |
| Keep away from busy areas | Reduces stress for the birds |
Attracting Woodpeckers Year-round
Woodpeckers are beautiful birds that visit yards often. Offering the right food helps attract them anytime.
Choosing the right bird seed is key. Woodpeckers prefer certain seeds all year long.
Feeding In Different Seasons
Woodpeckers eat different foods depending on the season. Seeds and suet work well most of the year.
In spring and summer, they eat more insects but still enjoy seeds. In fall and winter, seeds are very important.
- Black oil sunflower seeds attract woodpeckers all year.
- Peanuts provide extra protein and energy.
- Safflower seeds are a good alternative for picky birds.
- Suet cakes with seeds or nuts offer calories in cold months.
Maintaining A Woodpecker-friendly Yard
Woodpeckers need safe places to feed and rest. Keep your yard welcoming to them.
Use feeders designed for woodpeckers. Provide natural food sources and safe trees for nesting.
- Hang suet feeders on tree trunks or poles.
- Plant native trees and shrubs to attract insects.
- Leave dead trees or branches if safe for nesting.
- Keep pets away from feeding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Types Of Bird Seed Do Woodpeckers Prefer?
Woodpeckers mainly prefer sunflower seeds, especially striped and black oil varieties. They also enjoy safflower seeds and peanuts. These seeds provide the nutrients and energy woodpeckers need, attracting them to feeders.
Can Woodpeckers Eat Mixed Bird Seed Blends?
Woodpeckers usually avoid mixed seed blends. They pick out their preferred seeds like sunflower or peanuts. Offering single-type seeds increases the chance of attracting woodpeckers to your feeder.
Why Do Woodpeckers Eat Suet With Seeds?
Woodpeckers eat suet mixed with seeds for extra protein and fat. This combination is ideal during cold months, providing essential energy and nutrients to survive harsh weather.
How Can I Attract Woodpeckers With The Right Seed?
To attract woodpeckers, offer black oil sunflower seeds or peanuts in feeders. Use suet feeders with added seeds. Place feeders near trees for a natural feel, increasing your chances of a woodpecker visit.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers love a variety of seeds. They often enjoy peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. These foods offer nutrients they need. You can attract them to your garden easily. Just fill your feeder with their favorite seeds. Observe these birds up close and enjoy their beauty.
Providing the right seeds keeps them happy and healthy. This simple step invites nature into your backyard. Start your birdwatching journey today. Make your garden a woodpecker haven. Enjoy the lively sounds and sights woodpeckers bring. They’re fascinating birds worth watching.
Happy birdwatching!