The best feeder for black-backed woodpeckers
A fire specialist — flocks move into burns within a year and leave as the beetles run out.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What to fill it with
- Suet (rarely, near burned forest)
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Black-backed Woodpecker measures 9.1 in and weighs 2.1–3.1 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 black-backed 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 black-backed woodpeckers?
Suet (rarely, near burned forest).
Where should I place a feeder for black-backed woodpeckers?
A fire specialist — flocks move into burns within a year and leave as the beetles run out.
Sources
- Black-backed Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-backed Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-backed 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.