Today, lets talk about how to attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers to your backyard. It’s getting cold in my area, so I’ve started filling the feeders for my backyard birds. During the winter months, I get comfortable in front of the fireplace and a window. I always keep my camera handy. You never know when the opportunity will arise for a great shot of backyard birds.
In the summer, I don’t fill the feeders as often because most birds can fend for themselves. Also, I grow sunflowers in the summer, so most of my backyard birds feast on the sunflower seeds in my garden. I always thought it would take a few days for the birds to find the filled feeders. Nope, it only took a few hours. My birds are always hungry and ready to feast.
So, I was jumping for joy when I first saw these beautiful woodpeckers. Below is a male Red Bellied Woodpecker. Isn’t he beautiful? Are you wondering how I know it’s a male? Males have a red crown and nape. However, the female doesn’t wear the red crown. She has a batch of red at the nape of her neck. The female is in the picture above. Notice the red stripe on the female’s belly. It’s difficult to see unless the bird is in a certain position, but is how it achieved its name.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers love pecking on trees, gutters and siding. Apparently, the sound resonates and a potential mate will hear a male’s call. The Red-bellied Woodpecker’s habits are fascinating too. They hide seed for later consumption in the crevices of trees. This little guy is creating a cache in the picture below. They also hunt for bugs in the crevices of trees.
How to Attract Red-Bellied Woodpeckers:
- Purchase or build a platform feeder.
- Add black oil sunflowers seeds, unsalted shelled peanuts, peanut pieces, fruit, and/or acorns to the feeder.
- Red Bellied Woodpeckers love peanut butter and cracked corn too. I add peanut butter to pine cones during the winter. Check out my post on Peanut Butter Pinecones for backyard birds.
- Hang suet feeders in the winter. Check out my recipe for homemade suet cakes or purchase them. The woodpeckers visit the feeder, but Red-bellied Woodpeckers have a passion for suet cakes.
So, if you want to attract the Red Bellied Woodpecker, suet cakes are the way to go. I make my suet cakes, but I do purchase a variety of no melt suet cakes designated especially for woodpeckers. You can purchase them from Amazon. However, if you have time you can make your own using suet from your local grocery store. I suggest only using this suet during the winter months. They will go rancid in warm months. I make mine from saved bacon grease or Crisco as well. My family loves bacon, and the birds love it too.
Are you a bird watcher? What are some of your favorite backyard birds? Check out how to attract the American Gold Finch.
