The best feeder for red-cockaded woodpeckers
Federally endangered. It excavates cavities in living pines infected with red heart fungus and lives in family groups.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What to fill it with
- Suet (occasionally, near longleaf pine)
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Red-cockaded Woodpecker measures 7.9–9.1 in and weighs 1.5–1.8 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-cockaded 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-cockaded woodpeckers?
Suet (occasionally, near longleaf pine).
Where should I place a feeder for red-cockaded woodpeckers?
Federally endangered. It excavates cavities in living pines infected with red heart fungus and lives in family groups.
Sources
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-cockaded 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.