Woodpeckers are fascinating birds known for their rhythmic drumming on trees and their specialized beaks designed for excavating wood. While most people associate woodpeckers with a diet of insects and larvae found in tree bark, these birds are actually omnivores with a surprisingly diverse palate. Here are five unexpected foods that woodpeckers enjoy:
1. Fruit and Berries
Woodpeckers aren’t just insectivores—they have a sweet tooth too! Many species, like the Red-bellied Woodpecker and the Northern Flicker, relish fruits and berries, especially in the fall and winter when insects are scarce. Apples, cherries, grapes, and even pokeberries are among their favorites. These foods provide essential sugars and nutrients, helping them sustain energy during colder months.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Woodpeckers are adept at cracking open nuts and seeds with their strong beaks. Acorns, beech nuts, and sunflower seeds are particularly popular. The Acorn Woodpecker, true to its name, is a master at storing acorns in “granary trees” for later consumption. This behavior not only ensures a steady food supply but also plays a role in seed dispersal, benefiting forest ecosystems.
3. Sap and Cambium Layer
While woodpeckers are known for drilling into trees to find insects, they also tap into the sap and cambium layer—the thin layer of tissue just beneath the bark. This nutrient-rich layer provides sugars and minerals, especially in the spring when sap flow is at its peak. Species like the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker create sap wells, not just for themselves but also for other birds and mammals.
4. Small Vertebrates
Some woodpeckers, like the powerful Pileated Woodpecker, aren’t afraid to hunt small vertebrates. Their diet can include mice, lizards, and even the eggs and nestlings of other birds. This behavior is more common in larger woodpecker species that require higher protein intake to sustain their active lifestyles.
5. Human-Provided Foods
Woodpeckers are opportunistic feeders and will readily visit bird feeders, especially in urban and suburban areas. They’re particularly fond of suet, a high-fat food made from animal fat and often mixed with seeds, nuts, or fruits. Peanut butter, mealworms, and even cracked corn are also on their menu. Providing these foods can attract woodpeckers to your backyard, offering a unique opportunity to observe these striking birds up close.
Do all woodpeckers eat the same foods?
+No, woodpecker diets vary by species, habitat, and season. While many share common foods like insects and fruits, larger species may include small vertebrates, and some specialize in nuts or sap.
Can I attract woodpeckers to my backyard?
+Yes! Offering suet, peanuts, or mealworms in a feeder can attract woodpeckers. Planting fruit-bearing trees or shrubs can also make your yard more appealing.
Why do woodpeckers drill into trees?
+Woodpeckers drill into trees primarily to find insects, larvae, and sap. They also create holes for nesting and storing food.
Are woodpeckers beneficial to forests?
+Yes, woodpeckers play a crucial role in forest health by controlling insect populations, creating cavities for other species, and aiding in seed dispersal through their feeding habits.
Woodpeckers’ dietary flexibility is a testament to their evolutionary success, allowing them to thrive in diverse habitats from dense forests to urban parks. By understanding their surprising food preferences, we can better appreciate these remarkable birds and support their conservation.
