Downy woodpeckers are small birds that are native to North America. They are common visitors to backyard bird feeders and can often be found searching tree trunks and branches for insects. Their small size leads many people to wonder if downy woodpeckers will use birdhouses for nesting.
The nesting habits of downy woodpeckers
Downy woodpeckers typically nest in the cavities of dead trees. They excavate their own nest holes each breeding season, a process that takes up to three weeks to complete. Downy woodpeckers prefer dead trees that are partially rotten and soft. This makes digging out the nest easier for these small birds.
The nest cavity is dug out to a depth of between 8 and 24 inches. It’s drilled to closely match the size of the downy woodpecker, with a diameter of around 3 inches. Wood chips are removed from the hole and carried off rather than left around the base of the tree.
Once the nest hole is complete, both male and female downy woodpeckers will spend time inside to create a level floor. This is done by chiseling out the wood until the bottom is flat and smooth. The female lines the bottom with wood chips before laying eggs.
Downy woodpeckers are territorial and remain in the same general area year after year. However, they create a new nest hole for breeding each season rather than reusing the same cavity.
Preferred nesting trees
Dead trees and stumps of both hardwoods and conifers can provide nesting sites for downy woodpeckers. Some of their favorite nest trees include:
- Aspen
- Birch
- Willow
- Maple
- Apple
- Ash
- Pine
- Spruce
- Fir
Diseased trees or those infested with beetles and wood-boring insects are attractive to downy woodpeckers as they excavate nest cavities. These trees tend to be softer and easier to drill into.
Nest height
Downy woodpecker nest holes are usually drilled into dead trees anywhere from 3 to 60 feet above the ground. On average, nest height ranges from only 10 to 20 feet high.
Nest height can vary depending on the tree. In taller dead pines or aspens, nests may be placed much higher up. On shorter trees or stumps, cavity entrances are often lower.
Will downy woodpeckers use birdhouses?
While downy woodpeckers strongly prefer natural tree cavities for nesting, they may occasionally use birdhouses. However, getting downies to accept birdhouses takes the right design and placement.
Birdhouse design for downy woodpeckers
Here are some tips for birdhouse designs that appeal to downy woodpeckers:
- Small rectangular box shape with a sloped roof
- Entrance hole 1 1/4 inches in diameter
- Woodpecker-friendly wood like cedar, pine or birch
- Rough wood interior so they can grip while going in
- Deep enough to have a nest cavity at least 8 inches deep
- No perch needed
The small 1 1/4 inch entrance hole will exclude larger birds like starlings. Having a rough unfinished interior makes it easier for the downy woodpeckers to cling to the inside walls.
Placement tips
Proper placement of birdhouses designed for downy woodpeckers can increase the chance of them using it. Recommendations include:
- Mounting the house on dead trees preferred by downies
- Placing near a forest edge or wooded area
- Positioning between 10 to 30 feet high
- Avoiding areas near bird feeders or houses used by other bird species
- Having multiple houses spaced apart to provide options
Making the birdhouse look like a natural cavity in a dead tree can make the downy woodpecker more comfortable. Have patience as it may take a breeding season or two for them to start using a newly mounted birdhouse.
Examples of downy woodpeckers using birdhouses
While uncommon, there are certainly documented instances of downy woodpeckers successfully nesting in birdhouses. Here are some real-world examples:
Birdhouse in a birch tree
One bird enthusiast mounted a homemade downy woodpecker nesting box on a dead birch tree in their backyard. The box was about 12 feet high with the recommended 1 1/4 inch hole.
After two seasons with no activity, a pair of downy woodpeckers moved in and excavated the interior cavity a bit deeper. Five eggs were laid and successfully fledged.
Bird cam footage
In 2021, a downy woodpecker pair was filmed using a nest box by a birdwatching live stream camera. The footage showed the pair taking turns incubating eggs before the young eventually fledged.
The nest box was specifically designed for downy woodpeckers and mounted higher up on a tree in a wooded suburban area away from other birdhouses.
Nest boxes on utility poles
Utility companies will sometimes mount birdhouses on power poles that run through more remote wooded areas. The boxes are intended for screech owls but woodpeckers may occasionally move in.
There are reports of downy woodpecker pairs nesting in these utility pole boxes. Their small entrance holes and height above the ground likely appealed to the downies.
Preventing woodpeckers from damaging houses
While enticing downy woodpeckers to nest in birdhouses can be tricky, these birds will readily nest and roost in wooden buildings. Unfortunately, this can result in damage as they excavate into the siding.
Downy woodpeckers drill into houses for both nesting sites and nighttime roosting holes. This pecking damages the exterior and interior walls. There are several effective ways to deter woodpeckers from ruining home siding:
- Scare tactics like plastic owls or reflective tape nearby
- Loud noises to startle them away
- Covering damaged areas with hardware cloth or metal sheeting
- Eliminating roosting/nesting spots by sealing holes
- Applying repellent gels on siding
- Installing roost boxes on trees away from the home
The key is making the house exterior less visually appealing and unsuitable for providing cavities. Offering an alternative nest box hung on a tree makes a more attractive option for the downy woodpecker.
Conclusion
Downy woodpeckers overwhelmingly prefer to excavate their own nest cavities each year in dead trees. While using birdhouses is uncommon, they may occasionally accept them if the design and placement caters to their needs.
Homeowners wanting to attract downy woodpeckers should use a specially designed small birdhouse mounted in optimal habitat. Observe it over several seasons as the birds may slowly adapt to using the offered nest box.
Additionally, take care to discourage downy woodpeckers from damaging home siding by implementing exclusion tactics. Providing an alternative roost box can help divert them away from pecking on the house.