Downy woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) are small woodpeckers that are common at backyard bird feeders across North America. They are often seen visiting suet feeders and platform feeders filled with black oil sunflower seeds. However, many people wonder if downy woodpeckers also visit hummingbird feeders in search of nectar.
The quick answer is yes, downy woodpeckers do sometimes visit hummingbird feeders. While they primarily eat insects, suet, and seeds, downy woodpeckers will occasionally drink nectar from hummingbird feeders as an alternative food source. Their short, chisel-like bills are capable of lapping up nectar through the feeding ports on hummingbird feeders. However, downy woodpeckers do not rely on nectar as heavily as hummingbirds do.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the interactions between downy woodpeckers and hummingbird feeders. We’ll cover:
Do downy woodpeckers visit hummingbird feeders?
– Why downy woodpeckers visit hummingbird feeders
– How often they visit
– How they feed from the nectar ports
– Whether they cause any problems at hummingbird feeders
Should you discourage downy woodpeckers from using hummingbird feeders?
– Effects on hummingbirds
– Effects on downy woodpeckers
– Alternative feeding options for downy woodpeckers
Tips for deterring downy woodpeckers from hummingbird feeders
Why Do Downy Woodpeckers Visit Hummingbird Feeders?
Downy woodpeckers visit hummingbird feeders for the same reason that hummingbirds do – to drink the sugary nectar inside. The nectar provides quick energy in the form of carbohydrates.
There are a few reasons why downy woodpeckers are attracted to the sweet liquid:
– Alternative food source – Downy woodpeckers have a varied diet of insects, tree sap, berries, and seeds. The nectar in hummingbird feeders provides a supplemental food source.
– High in sugars – The 1:4 ratio of sugar to water in hummingbird nectar is an appealing, high-energy food source.
– Easy access – The open ports on hummingbird feeders allow downy woodpeckers easy access to the nectar.
– Curiosity – Downy woodpeckers are very curious birds that eagerly explore new food sources. Hummingbird feeders capture their interest.
Providing a consistent and dependable source of sugary calories, hummingbird feeders reliably attract downy woodpeckers just as they draw in hummingbirds. The feeders cater to the downy woodpecker’s taste for sweet treats.
How Often Do Downy Woodpeckers Visit Hummingbird Feeders?
Downy woodpeckers do not visit hummingbird feeders nearly as frequently as hummingbirds. However, they will periodically take advantage of an easy nectar meal. Here is how often downy woodpeckers tend to visit hummingbird feeders:
– Casual visitors – Downy woodpeckers are casual visitors rather than regulars at hummingbird feeders. They will visit occasionally when convenient.
– Peak visits in winter – Most downy woodpecker visits happen during the winter months when natural food sources are scarcer.
– Multiple brief visits – When downy woodpeckers visit, they make several brief visits throughout the day rather than lingering.
– Less territorial – Unlike hummingbirds, downy woodpeckers do not aggressively guard feeders. They will share.
So while downy woodpeckers do sometimes visit hummingbird feeders for a quick snack, they do not rely on the nectar for sustenance. Hummingbirds visit frequently and guard “their” feeders, while downy woodpecker visits are intermittent and brief.
How Do Downy Woodpeckers Feed from Hummingbird Feeders?
The short beaks of downy woodpeckers are perfectly shaped for chiseling into wood. Surprisingly, they work equally well for lapping up nectar from hummingbird feeders. Here’s how downy woodpeckers manage to extract nectar:
– Lapping – Downy woodpeckers lap up nectar with their short, chisel-like tongues.
– Tongue touch the base – Their tongues easily touch the base of the hummingbird feeder ports.
– Very little spillage – Their lapping method of feeding results in minimal nectar spillage.
– Perching – Downy woodpeckers need to perch while feeding. They will perch on the feeder ports or an adjacent tree branch.
– Brief visits – In keeping with their hit-and-run style, downy woodpeckers make quick, brief visits to gulp some nectar.
– Guarding not needed – They do not hover or aggressively guard the feeder from other birds.
The upright feeder ports are perfect for a perching downy woodpecker to reach its short bill inside. In this way, they are able to effectively lap up the sweet nectar in short visits.
Do Downy Woodpeckers Cause Any Problems at Hummingbird Feeders?
In most cases, downy woodpecker visits cause minimal problems at hummingbird feeders. Here are the potential issues and how significant they generally are:
– Nectar consumption – Downy woodpeckers do consume small amounts of nectar during their brief visits. However, their nectar consumption is minor compared to hummingbirds.
– Territoriality – Downy woodpeckers do not exhibit territorial aggressive behavior like hummingbirds. They will peacefully share space.
– Messiness – Their neat lapping method results in little to no nectar mess or spillage around the feeder.
– Damaging feeders – Downy woodpeckers do not damage feeders with their beaks the way larger woodpeckers might.
– Scaring hummingbirds – Hummingbirds are not deterred by downy woodpecker visits and will continue to visit themselves.
Overall, downy woodpeckers are polite, tidy visitors that drink only small quantities of nectar. While they do consume some of the nectar you put out, they rarely cause any significant problems. Their small size and brief visits minimize their impact.
Should You Discourage Downy Woodpeckers from Using Hummingbird Feeders?
Since downy woodpeckers do not cause major issues, should you go out of your way to discourage them from using your hummingbird feeders? There are good arguments on both sides of this question:
Reasons to discourage them:
– Nectar consumption – Even though it is a small amount, they still will drink some of the nectar you intended for hummingbirds.
– Possible overdependence – You do not want downy woodpeckers to grow overly reliant on an artificial nectar source.
– Prevention – Once they start visiting, it can be hard to get them to stop. Better to prevent the behavior before it starts.
– Hummingbird priority – Your goal is to cater specifically to hummingbirds, not generalist birds.
Reasons to allow them:
– No real harm – They do not cause any significant problems or damage.
– Enjoyment – Seeing birds up close is an enjoyable experience for many people. Downy woodpeckers are cute, charismatic little birds.
– Alternative food source – The additional food source may be beneficial for downy woodpeckers, especially in winter.
– Natural behavior – Drinking nectar is normal behavior for downy woodpeckers that you can observe.
– Minimal effect on hummingbirds – Hummingbirds are not deterred and will continue to visit.
There are good points on both sides. Some people may strongly prefer to cater exclusively to hummingbirds. However, completely preventing downy woodpecker visits can be challenging. Others don’t mind their presence and enjoy observing their natural behavior.
If you do wish to discourage downy woodpecker visits, here are some tips:
– Use a hummingbird feeder with narrow, tapered perches that are uncomfortable for downy woodpeckers to perch on.
– Select a feeder with small oval or round ports that downy woodpeckers cannot fit their bills into as easily.
– Place the feeder in an open location away from trees and perches where downy woodpeckers are more likely to visit.
– Consider using a hummingbird feeder moat to prevent perching.
– Only put out nectar during peak hummingbird season when downy woodpeckers are less likely to visit.
– Remove feeders altogether for several days if downy woodpecker visits persist to dissuade them.
– Use nectar with a red dye. Evidence is mixed on whether this deters downy woodpeckers, but it may be worth trying.
– As a last resort, install a woodpecker deterrent device that makes alarm or distress calls when motion is detected.
The most effective approach is prevention by using selective bird feeders that favor hummingbirds. Once downy woodpeckers learn to visit your feeders, they can be stubborn to discourage. Taking steps early to design an exclusive hummingbird set-up is best.
Alternative Feeding Options for Downy Woodpeckers
If you wish to actively prevent downy woodpeckers from visiting hummingbird feeders, consider providing alternative feeding stations specifically for them. Excellent options include:
Suet Feeders
– High in fat and protein – Nutritious food source to substitute for nectar
– Tailor-made for woodpeckers – Easy clinging and drumming while feeding
– Select suet with nuts and berries – Cater to downy woodpecker taste preferences
Black Oil Sunflower Seed Feeders
– Favored seed of downy woodpeckers – Rich in fat and calories like suet
– Use mesh feeders – Allows clambering and clinging while eating
– Avoid mixes – Pick feeders with pure black oil sunflower seeds
Mealworm Feeders
– Excellent source of protein – Provides an alternate source to nectar
– Live or dried mealworms – Both are readily consumed
– Platform feeder style – Allows perching and easy access
Offering these alternative feeding stations will minimize motivation for downy woodpeckers to visit your hummingbird feeders. Providing for their preferred foods in customized feeders will redirect them away from your hummingbird nectar.
Conclusion
Downy woodpeckers and hummingbird feeders represent an intersection between two species with specialized diets. While downy woodpeckers subsist primarily on insects and tree sap, they will take advantage of an easy, sweet treat in the form of hummingbird nectar on occasion. These charming little woodpeckers are clever and curious enough to adapt their short beaks to lap up nectar without causing major problems. Their small size and lack of aggressive territorial behavior minimize their impact on hummingbirds.
While some people wish to actively prevent downy woodpeckers from feeding on intended hummingbird nectar, their occasional visits do no real harm. Using selective bird feeding methods focused on accommodating hummingbirds can help minimize, but likely not completely eliminate, downy woodpecker visits. Whether you view downy woodpeckers at your hummingbird feeders as a nuisance or an enjoyable songbird encounter, understanding their motivations and behavior is key to making informed decisions about deterrence methods or simply appreciating nature’s ingenuity.
