The best feeder for acorn woodpeckers
Lives in family groups that drill thousands of holes in one granary tree to store acorns.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What to fill it with
- Suet
- Peanuts
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Acorn Woodpecker measures 7.5–9.1 in and weighs 2.3–3.2 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for acorn woodpeckers?
Suet cage or tail-prop suet feeder. High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What should I put in a feeder for acorn woodpeckers?
Suet, Peanuts.
Where should I place a feeder for acorn woodpeckers?
Lives in family groups that drill thousands of holes in one granary tree to store acorns.
Sources
- Acorn Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Acorn Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Acorn Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.