Attracting Pileated Woodpeckers
The beautiful pileated woodpecker is one of a backyard bird watchers most sought after birds. Often we can hear their loud calls over a distance but not catch sight of these large birds.
They will come to bird feeders and they will nest in man made bird houses, but a backyard birdwatcher is lucky to have either happen in their garden. We have a family of these birds this season and while their presence is visible, they have not yet visited our feeders. They do love our dogwood tress! There is far too much natural food available to them. However, others further north have had great luck with pileated woodpeckers visiting their suet feeders. As well, a local birder here in the deep south, has had a pileated woodpecker nest in one of his boxes this summer. We’re pretty darn envious of him right about now! The pileated woodpecker nesting on his property is in an owl box which has been stuffed with wood chips.
Range and Habitat:
The pileated woodpecker dwells in evergreen and deciduous forests. This species needs late phases of woodland for habitat, as well as newer forests with spread, large, dead trees for food, nesting, and roosting. In newer forests they need larger areas: 3,904 acres of virgin woodland provides for 3-6 pairs of Pileated Woodpeckers, whilst the equal area of secondary woodland will support only one pair. They also require bigger trees with dead centers for roosting, where the bird excavates only the entrance way hole. Any timberland type, broad-leafed, coniferous, or mixed, may support Pileated Woodpeckers so long as there are trees big enough for roosting and nesting. Pileated Woodpeckers are frequently linked to mature and old-growth forests but may breed in newer forests if they include large trees.
Food:
The pileated woodpecker consumes primarily carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae, fruits, and nuts. . Pileated Woodpeckers eat wood-boring insects and insects which live in trees, including long-horned beetles and particularly carpenter ants. With the primary part of their diet comprised of carpenter ants and beetle larvae, the pileated woodpecker applies its sharp bill to extract bark off a tree to uncover ant colonies. It employs its long, sticky tongue to prod into holes and dredge out the ants. It also excavates large rectangular hollows in trees to produce roosting and nesting spots along with exposing insects. Studies of diet describe it as being consisting of more than half animal matter, chiefly Carpenter Ants. Additionally, Thatching Ants, beetles, additional insects, and vegetable matter comprise about one quarter of the total.
At Bird Feeding Stations
A pileated woodpecker has a very large territory, so if you have seen one in your area and then it disappears, do not worry as it may just be in a different area of it’s territory. They can be attracted to bird feeding stations primarily with suet feeders and suet bird foods. A larger feeder to accommodate their size is preferable, however they can land on smaller cages amazingly enough. Friends who have had good luck attracting these birds tell us that their suet flavor preference is peanut butter or peanut suet. They will also eat seed from a platform bird feeder, and it has been reported that black oil sunflower is the seed of choice.
This feeder has been specially designed for pileated woodpeckers and to accommodate their large size:
It holds four cakes which is great if you live in winter climates and suet feeders see a lot of activity! It makes filling feeders less frequent. You don’t have to use four cakes at one time, but during winter when the suet will not go bad, it’s a fantastic idea.
For those of us that live in southern climates where a smaller suet feeder, or less food out at one time due to the danger of it going bad, we would recommend a smaller feeder with less suet. You can shop for suet feeders at Suet Bird Feeders.
Nesting:
Long term monogamous couples remain together on territories year round. Both members of the pair hollow a new nest cavity in a deadened tree or branch each year located 15 to 125 feet above the ground. The egg-shaped entrance is taller than wide, approximately 4-6 inches in diameter. The cavities measure between 10 and 24 inches deep, and the birds build a new one each year. and The excavation may take the pair up to six weeks to finish. The nest is lined exclusively with wood chips from the excavation. Both sexes commonly incubate the 3 to 5 eggs for approximately 18 days and brood the offspring for the first 7 to 10 days after they hatch. The clutch varies in size from 1 to 6 eggs, with an average of 3.8 eggs per clutch. Parents share in raising young, with both regurgitating food for the babies. The young leave the nest after 24 to 28 days but could stay with the parents for an additional 2 to 3 months while they learn to forage. House and box height placement from ground in feet: 15-125.
Tips or Advice?
If you have pileated woodpeckers visit your backyard, please leave a comment and give a tip to the next person! Let us know what the birds eat and what type of feeder they feed from. We appreciate the advice! If they have ever nested on your property, give us details! We’d love to know how to better accommodate these wonderful birds.