The 4 Best Foods for Attracting Woodpeckers

Courtesy Laurie Stuchlik

Snow, sleet and bitterly cold temperatures are no match for woodpeckers. Their can’t-miss black and white markings, with an occasional sprinkling of red, stand out as they acrobatically forage around bare tree trunks and brave the winter months. Attract more woodpeckers this season with this simple yet satisfying menu.

1. Suet

Woodpeckers aren’t picky. Suet straight from the butcher will do; there’s no need to render it. Or you can make your own suet. Store-bought suet cakes get the job done, too. A basic suet cage feeder is inexpensive, and premade cakes slide right in for a perfect fit. Check out the best suet feeders for winter birds.

2. Peanuts

Shelled or unshelled, peanuts are a delicious snack that woodpeckers gobble up. You can find feeders made specifically for peanuts. Companies that sell nuts have jumped on the birding bandwagon and sell peanut feed that doesn’t make the cut for human consumption. Remember: Unsalted peanuts are best. Discover more backyard birds that eat peanuts.

3. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

Downy and hairy woodpeckers are particularly fond of this all-around favorite. Because woodpeckers are a bit bigger than the average songbird, you should serve sunflower seeds in a hopper or platform feeder to give them easy access. Learn the three types of seeds and feeders birds love best.

4. Peanut Butter

Here’s an easy, no-fuss way to feed and attract woodpeckers: Simply smear peanut butter directly on the tree trunks. Or buy a log feeder and fill the predrilled holes with the gooey, high-fat snack.

6 Woodpeckers Species to Watch For

• • Downy woodpecker
  • Hairy woodpecker
  • Red-bellied woodpecker
  • Red-headed woodpecker
  • Pileated woodpecker
  • Northern flicker