In Minnesota, we’re lucky to have a wide variety of birds throughout the year, including several different species of Woodpeckers.
Woodpeckers are awesome, because they tend to be year-round residents. It’s fun to watch them as they scale up and down trees and feeders looking for food. Some of them, like Downy and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, are among my favorite bird feeder visitors.
What I wanted to do with this story specifically was hone-in on Woodpeckers you can attract to a bird feeder. Below, you’ll find a picture–based guide on each Woodpecker, what kind of food they like, and my bird feeder recommendation.
Before diving into my specific tips and Woodpeckers, here’s a handful of universal things you can do to increase your chances of bringing birds to your yard.
- Provide water (especially a heated bird bath in the winter)
- Plant native plants in your yard
- Keep your cats indoors
- Clean your bird feeders every few weeks to prevent disease from spreading
Sources: The Cornell Bird Lab, The National Audubon Society, Minnesota DNR, Birds of Minnesota Field Guide and a hefty dose of my firsthand experience.
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1. Downy Woodpeckers
Downy Woodpeckers have a shorter bill compared to the similar-looking Hairy Woodpecker (coming up next). They’re prevalent in any wooded area and suburban neighborhoods. I draw in several Downy’s to my feeders, even though I live in a suburban apartment complex. Listen for their loud “peek!” calls.
Once you attract a Downy Woodpecker to your feeders, they’ll likely be back every single day. It’s like they have an Outlook calendar schedule or something. It’s fun to have them as loyal guests.
Where in Minnesota are Downy Woodpeckers?
Downy’s are found throughout Minnesota all year.
What kind of food do Downy Woodpeckers like?
Suet! (this will be an ongoing theme for this story). Downy’s also enjoy eating sunflower seeds and peanuts.
What’s the best feeder for Downy Woodpeckers?
A suet feeder (surprise).
Related Content: Log Jammer Insect Suet Plugs Are a Home Run for Woodpeckers, Nuthatches
2. Hairy Woodpeckers
Hairy Woodpeckers are almost identical to Downy Woodpeckers in terms of their colors and feather patterns. But, they’re larger (about the same size as a Robin) and have bigger bills as a differentiator. They’re also common backyard visitors like the Downy.
Where in Minnesota are Hairy Woodpeckers?
Hairy Woodpeckers are found throughout Minnesota year-round.
What kind of food do Hairy Woodpeckers like?
Suet! They will also eat sunflower seeds.
What’s the Best Bird Feeder for Hairy Woodpeckers ?
Suet feeders of all types. I have Hairy Woodpeckers who visit my suet log feeder.
3. Northern Flickers
Northern Flickers are rarer at bird feeders as they prefer eating insects, like ants, from the ground. They will sometimes visit suet feeders.
Where in Minnesota are Northern Flickers?
Northern Flickers are found year-round in the Southern-half of Minnesota. They are breeding season visitors in the Northern-half of the state (Cornell Bird Lab).
What kind of food do Northern Flickers like?
A rare visitor to feeders (but often use bird baths). Will eat sunflowers, peanuts and suet on occasion. Northern Flickers love eating ants! If you have an ant hill in your yard, you can try leaving it as a potential food source for them.
What’s the Best Bird Feeder for Northern Flickers?
A suet or ground feeder. Northern Flickers will use large nest boxes if you have space for one in your yard.
4. Pileated Woodpeckers
A huge woodpecker at 16-19 inches. So, basically crow-sized. Pileated Woodpeckers are a delight to see if you live in or near a forested area.
Where in Minnesota are Pileated Woodpeckers?
Year-round (in most of Minnesota). But, you’re going to have a much better chance at success if you live near a forest or wooded space. Suburban and city bird feeders won’t have much luck here.
What’s the Best Food for Pileated Woodpeckers?
Suet!
What’s the Best Bird Feeder for Pileated Woodpeckers?
A large suet cage or platform. You’ll want to buy a larger suet feeder with a tail prop to support them, something like this.
5. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers
Another common feeder visitor, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are found throughout forested areas and the suburbs. Like every other bird on this list, they love suet but will also enjoy eating peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Where in Minnesota are Red-Bellied Woodpeckers?
Year-round everywhere in Minnesota.
What’s the Best Food for Red-Bellied Woodpeckers?
Suet (best choice), sunflower seeds, peanuts. They will also taste hummingbird nectar in the summer.
What’s the Best Bird Feeder for Red-Bellied Woodpeckers?
A sturdy suet feeder or platform feeder.
6. Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers (Rare at Feeders)
Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers rarely visit feeders but may drop by for some suet on occasion. As their name suggests, most of their diet is sap from maple or birch trees.
Where in Minnesota are Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers?
During the spring and summer, everywhere in Minnesota.
What’s the Best food for Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers?
Suet
What’s the Best Bird Feeder for Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers?
A suet feeder
7. Red-Headed Woodpeckers (Rare)
Unfortunately, the population of Red-Headed Woodpeckers is on the decline, due to habitat losses (Cornell Bird Lab). They are rarer to see in Minnesota these days. But, you might get lucky. They’re known to visit a bird feeder on occasion. The bright red head and black and white body make it unmistakeable.
Where in Minnesota are Red-Headed Woodpeckers?
Most prevalent in the breeding season located in the South and Central areas of Minnesota when acorns are aplenty (Minnesota DNR).
What’s the Best food for Red-Headed Woodpeckers?
They will eat suet and also poke at oranges at bird feeding stations.
What’s the Best Bird Feeder for Red-Headed Woodpeckers?
A suet feeder.