Introduction
Woodpeckers, those charismatic drummers of the forest, are a source of endless fascination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Their distinctive calls and striking plumage add vibrancy to any landscape. But beyond their captivating appearance and unique behavior lies a crucial aspect of their survival: their diet. Did you know that woodpeckers have tongues that can extend up to four inches past the end of their beak, allowing them to reach insects hidden deep within tree cavities? This fascinating adaptation underscores the vital role food plays in the life of these birds.
This article will delve into the diverse world of food for woodpeckers, exploring their natural eating habits and offering practical advice on how you can support these remarkable creatures in your own backyard. We’ll uncover what makes up their everyday meal, considering everything from insects to nuts, and discuss effective methods for attracting woodpeckers with supplemental food sources. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to appreciate the wonders of nature, understanding what woodpeckers eat is key to appreciating and protecting these ecologically important birds.
The Natural Diet of Woodpeckers: A Varied Menu
Woodpeckers aren’t just about pecking wood; they’re opportunistic eaters with a diet that shifts depending on the species, the season, and the available resources. Understanding their natural food sources is fundamental to appreciating their role in the ecosystem and ensuring their well-being.
Insects and Larvae: The Woodpecker’s Bread and Butter
For many woodpecker species, insects and their larvae form the cornerstone of their diet. Their strong beaks are perfectly designed for excavating these protein-rich morsels from beneath the bark of trees. How do they find these hidden feasts? A woodpecker uses its acute hearing and sensitive touch to detect the sounds and vibrations of insects moving within the wood. This is where their famous drumming comes in handy, not just for communication, but to potentially locate insects.
Once an insect is located, the woodpecker’s specialized tongue comes into play. In many species, the tongue is incredibly long, even longer than their beak, and is covered in sticky saliva and barbs, allowing them to effectively spear and extract insects from deep within their tunnels. Think of it as a natural insect-fishing rod! Beetles, ants, caterpillars, grubs, and spiders are just a few of the insects that commonly make up a woodpecker’s meal. The precise types of insects they consume will depend on the region and the availability of different species.
Sap and Tree Fluids: A Sweet Treat
While insects are a primary food source, some woodpecker species, most notably sapsuckers, also consume sap and other tree fluids. These woodpeckers create “sapwells,” small, shallow holes drilled into the bark of trees. They regularly return to these wells to drink the sap that oozes out, providing a valuable source of carbohydrates, particularly during times when insects are scarce. These sapwells can also attract other creatures, like insects, other birds, and even small mammals, providing sapsuckers with additional feeding opportunities. Sapsuckers are not the only creatures benefiting from the sap. Hummingbirds, other bird species, squirrels, and insects often visit sapsucker drill holes to consume the sap.
Nuts and Seeds: Fuel for the Winter Months
Many woodpeckers consume nuts and seeds, especially during the fall and winter when insect populations decline. Acorns, beechnuts, pecans, and sunflower seeds are all popular choices. These foods provide valuable fats and calories to help woodpeckers survive the colder months.
Woodpeckers are clever at accessing these resources, sometimes using their strong beaks to crack open tough shells. Some species, like the Acorn Woodpecker, even store acorns in specially created holes in trees or wooden structures, creating extensive “granaries” that can contain thousands of acorns. These granaries serve as crucial food reserves during times of scarcity.
Fruits and Berries: A Seasonal Supplement
During certain times of the year, especially during the late summer and fall, woodpeckers also incorporate fruits and berries into their diet. These provide a source of vitamins and antioxidants. Berries like elderberries, serviceberries, and wild grapes can be attractive to woodpeckers, as are fruits like apples and crabapples. The availability of these fruits and berries is often seasonal, making them a supplementary food source rather than a primary one.
Other Foods: The Opportunistic Feeder
While insects, sap, nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries are the mainstays of the woodpecker diet, some species are opportunistic feeders and will occasionally consume other foods. Eggs from other birds and even small amphibians or reptiles have been reported in some woodpecker diets, though these are far less common.
Attracting Woodpeckers with Supplemental Food: Turning Your Yard into a Woodpecker Haven
While woodpeckers are well-equipped to find food on their own, providing supplemental food sources can help support local populations, especially during times of scarcity, and can also offer you a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating birds up close.
Suet Feeders: A High-Energy Treat
Suet, a rendered animal fat, is a fantastic high-energy food source for woodpeckers, particularly during the colder months when insects are scarce. It provides a readily available source of calories to help them maintain their body temperature and energy levels. You can purchase suet cakes in a variety of flavors, including plain suet, suet with nuts, and suet with insects added.
When choosing suet, look for varieties that are made with high-quality ingredients and that do not contain fillers like grains or seeds, which are less nutritious for woodpeckers. Placing suet feeders in areas that offer some cover from predators, such as near trees or shrubs, can help make woodpeckers feel more secure while feeding. Clean the feeders regularly to prevent mold growth and the spread of disease.
Peanut Feeders: A Nutty Delight
Peanuts are another favorite food of woodpeckers, providing a good source of protein and healthy fats. You can offer peanuts in a variety of ways, including in mesh feeders or whole peanut feeders. Mesh feeders allow woodpeckers to peck off small pieces of peanut, while whole peanut feeders require them to work a bit harder to extract the peanuts, providing a form of enrichment.
It’s important to use unsalted peanuts, as excessive salt can be harmful to birds. Also, be aware of the potential for peanuts to become contaminated with mold, so store them properly and discard any that appear moldy or discolored.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: An All-Around Favorite
Black oil sunflower seeds are a popular choice for feeding many types of birds, including woodpeckers. These seeds are high in oil content, making them a valuable source of energy, and their thin shells are relatively easy for woodpeckers to crack open.
You can offer black oil sunflower seeds in tube feeders, platform feeders, or even by scattering them on the ground (though this can attract other animals and increase the risk of disease).
Providing Natural Food Sources: Creating a Woodpecker-Friendly Habitat
In addition to offering supplemental feeders, you can also attract woodpeckers by providing natural food sources in your yard. Planting native trees and shrubs that attract insects is a great way to provide a sustainable food source for woodpeckers. Oak trees, for example, attract a wide variety of insects, while berry-producing shrubs offer a seasonal source of fruits.
Leaving dead trees, also known as snags, can also benefit woodpeckers, as they provide nesting sites and foraging opportunities. Of course, it’s important to ensure that any dead trees are structurally sound and do not pose a safety hazard. Avoiding the use of pesticides in your yard is also crucial, as pesticides can harm the insects that woodpeckers rely on for food.
Important Considerations for Feeding Woodpeckers: Ensuring Their Well-Being
While providing supplemental food can be beneficial for woodpeckers, it’s important to do so responsibly and with their well-being in mind.
Food Safety: Preventing Spoilage and Disease
One of the most important considerations is food safety. Bird feeders can quickly become contaminated with mold, bacteria, and other pathogens, which can make birds sick. Clean your feeders regularly, at least once every two weeks, with a solution of soap and water, followed by a rinse with a dilute bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water). Allow the feeders to dry completely before refilling them.
Store bird food in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. Discard any food that appears moldy or discolored.
Predator Awareness: Protecting Woodpeckers from Harm
Another important consideration is predator awareness. Bird feeders can attract predators, such as cats and hawks, which can prey on woodpeckers. Place your feeders in locations that offer some cover from predators, such as near trees or shrubs. Avoid placing feeders near areas where cats are likely to hunt.
Responsible Feeding: Balancing Supplemental and Natural Food Sources
It’s important to avoid overfeeding woodpeckers, as this can make them dependent on supplemental food sources and discourage them from foraging for natural food. Offer a variety of food sources and allow woodpeckers to supplement their diet naturally. During times when natural food is abundant, such as during the summer months, you may want to reduce the amount of supplemental food you offer.
Be mindful of the potential to attract unwanted species like squirrels or larger birds that might outcompete the woodpeckers for food.
Conclusion: Supporting the Drumming Masters
Understanding the diverse diet of woodpeckers is essential for appreciating their ecological role and supporting their populations. By providing supplemental food sources, planting native trees and shrubs, and practicing responsible feeding habits, you can help create a woodpecker-friendly habitat in your own backyard. These fascinating birds bring beauty and biodiversity to our world, and it is up to us to ensure that they have the resources they need to thrive.
Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, grab some suet, peanuts, or sunflower seeds, and watch these amazing birds in action. It’s a rewarding experience that connects you with the natural world and helps support the health and well-being of these remarkable creatures.
