How to attract Downy Woodpecker

BE AWARE THAT HABITAT TYPE MORE THAN ANY OTHER FACTOR, WILL IN MOST CASES, DICTATE THE SPECIES OF BIRD THAT VISIT YOUR PROPERTY.

How to Attract Downy Woodpecker

The smallest and most common of North American Woodpeckers, the Downy happens to be one of the easiest to attract. Suet is at the top of the Downy Woodpecker’s menu but it will also eat Sunflower Seed and Peanut. Wild sources of food include beetle larvae and caterpillars (an insect-friendly yard is key to attracting Downy Woodpecker). For nesting it creates a cavity in dead trees but may use a nesting box if built to the correct specifications. The Downy doesn’t commonly use birdbaths but may occasionally take a drink from one.

Top Ways to Attract Downy Woodpecker

• Suet
• Virginia Creeper
• Insect-Friendly Yard
• Sunflower Seed
• Dead Trees

Trees & Shrubs that Attract Downy Woodpecker

• Aspen (Nesting)
• Beech (Nuts)
• Blackgum (Fruit)
• Dead Tree (Nesting, Insects)
• Hackberry (Fruit)
• Hickory (Nuts)
• Maple (Insects)
• Oak (Acorns, Insects)
• Wild Cherry (Fruit)

Flowers & Shrubs that Attract Downy Woodpecker

• New England Aster (Seeds)
• Purple Coneflower (Seeds)
• Sunflower (Seeds)
• Virginia Creeper (Fruit)
• Wild Grape (Fruit)

Attracting Downy Woodpecker with a Bird Feeder

• Feeder Type:
• Hopper
• Platform
• Suet Feeder
• Feed:
• Mealworms
• Peanut
• Suet
• Sunflower Seed

Downy Woodpecker Information

Downy Woodpecker Identification:

• Small-sized woodpecker (smaller than similar-looking Hairy Woodpecker)
• Male: checkered black/white, red spot on back of head
• Female: checkered black/white, no spot on back of head

Downy Woodpecker Habitat:

• Deciduous Forest/Forest Edge
• Open Woodland
• Backyards with Trees

Downy Woodpecker Eating Habits:

• Mainly Insects (especially Caterpillars, Beetle Larvae, Ants)
• Some Seeds, Grains, Berries, Bird Feed (especially in winter)

Downy Woodpecker Nesting:

• Cavity in Dead Trees
• Will use Nesting Box