Woodpeckers generally do not nest in typical birdhouses designed for other species. Their unique nesting behaviors involve excavating their own cavities, which are specifically tailored to their needs and differ significantly from standard birdhouse designs.
Natural Cavity Nesting Habits
Woodpeckers are primary cavity nesters, excavating holes in dead or decaying trees, or dead portions of living trees. Softened wood, often from fungal decay, makes excavation easier. A nest cavity begins with an entrance hole, usually just large enough for the adult bird.
The entrance shape varies, often round, but larger species like the Pileated Woodpecker excavate oblong or tear-drop shaped openings. The cavity extends inward and descends into a vertical chamber, reaching depths of up to two feet for larger species. Woodpeckers do not bring in nesting materials; the wood chips created during excavation serve as a cushion for their eggs.
Most species excavate a new cavity each breeding season, though some, like Northern Flickers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and Acorn Woodpeckers, may reuse successful ones. Abandoned cavities serve as shelter and nesting sites for many other cavity-nesting birds and small mammals, highlighting their ecological importance.
Designing Structures for Woodpeckers
While woodpeckers primarily excavate their own nests, specialized “woodpecker houses” or “nest boxes” can occasionally attract them. These must closely mimic natural cavities. Species like Northern Flickers, Downy Woodpeckers, and Pileated Woodpeckers are among those most likely to use these artificial sites.
These structures require specific design elements. They should be constructed from thick, rough wood like cedar or white pine for insulation and durability. Internal dimensions and entrance hole sizes are tailored to specific species, with smaller openings for Downy Woodpeckers and larger ones for Northern Flickers.
Boxes should be filled with wood chips or sawdust to encourage natural excavation. Placement is important, typically 6 to 20 feet high on a tree or pole, often facing south or east. Predator guards are recommended. Despite careful considerations, success rates for attracting nesting woodpeckers to artificial structures are generally lower than natural cavities.
Attracting Woodpeckers to Your Property
Beyond nesting, attracting woodpeckers involves providing consistent food, water, and suitable habitat. Woodpeckers are omnivorous and adapt their diet seasonally. Suet is a highly preferred food source, especially varieties with nuts, mealworms, or fruit, offered in specialized feeders or smeared on tree trunks. Peanuts and black oil sunflower seeds are also popular choices.
Woodpeckers consume a wide range of insects, including grubs, ants, and wood-boring larvae, found by foraging on trees. They also enjoy fruits and berries; native berry-producing plants like serviceberry, holly, and elderberry are beneficial additions. Some species consume tree sap and may be attracted to hummingbird feeders.
A clean, shallow bird bath offers a water source for drinking and bathing. Leaving dead trees or large snags on a property, if safely possible, offers natural foraging grounds and potential roosting or nesting sites. Planting native trees and shrubs that support insect populations and produce fruits or nuts further enhances appeal, while minimizing pesticide use preserves their insect food sources.