The best feeder for red-bellied woodpeckers
A bold feeder visitor that also takes nectar and oranges. Cache-stores nuts in bark crevices.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
Jays and nuthatches work peanuts from wide mesh.
What to fill it with
- Suet
- Peanuts
- Black-oil sunflower
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Red-bellied Woodpecker measures 9–10.5 in and weighs 2–3.2 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 red-bellied 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 red-bellied woodpeckers?
Suet, Peanuts, Black-oil sunflower.
Where should I place a feeder for red-bellied woodpeckers?
A bold feeder visitor that also takes nectar and oranges. Cache-stores nuts in bark crevices.
Sources
- Red-bellied Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-bellied Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-bellied Woodpecker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
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.