The best feeder for pileated woodpeckers
Pileateds visit backyards near mature woods and use large tail-prop suet feeders.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What to fill it with
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Pileated Woodpecker measures 15.8–19.3 in and weighs 8.8–12.3 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 pileated 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 pileated woodpeckers?
Suet.
Where should I place a feeder for pileated woodpeckers?
Pileateds visit backyards near mature woods and use large tail-prop suet feeders.
Sources
- Pileated Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pileated Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pileated 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.