Red-bellied Woodpeckers Feeder Visits

The Red-bellied Woodpecker, known for its striking red crown and nape along with a black-and-white barred back, is a frequent visitor to my feeders in the spring and summer. I’ve even had a pair nest in one of my pine trees. You can read more about their nesting in Exploring Red-bellied Woodpecker Nesting.

Lately, though, they’ve been keeping their distance. For the past couple of months, I’ve heard their calls from the trees in my yard, a clear indicator of their presence and territory, but they’ve avoided both my feeders and birdbath. Their behavior mirrors what I’ve observed with Blue Jays during winter in Why Blue Jays Avoid Feeders in Winter.

Why Red-bellied Woodpeckers Avoid Feeders in Fall

This seasonal change in behavior stems from several natural factors:

• Foraging Patterns: During fall, Red-bellied Woodpeckers shift to eating more natural food sources like nuts, acorns, and berries, which are abundant this time of year. This reduces their reliance on feeders.
• Seasonal Behavior: Fall is when these woodpeckers focus on collecting and storing food for the winter, a critical behavior that ensures they have enough resources to survive during the colder months when food is scarce. Their activities include:
  • Picking nuts and berries from trees.
  • Stashing food in crevices, such as behind bark.
  • Spending more time foraging in their natural habitat.
• Migration Considerations: Though they typically stay in Arkansas year-round, fall is a critical time for preparing for colder months, making natural foraging a priority over feeder visits.

A Return to the Feeder

Last week, one Red-bellied Woodpecker finally made its way back to my feeders. It enjoyed the peanuts I’d placed there, but its visit wasn’t without drama. A Northern Mockingbird has been fiercely guarding the feeders and attempting to keep the woodpecker away. I’ve written about this territorial behavior in my post, A Northern Mockingbird’s Feeder Takeover.

I’m hopeful that the woodpecker will keep returning despite the competition. Watching it return after such a long absence filled me with excitement and relief—a reminder of why I enjoy observing these birds so much. I’ll be keeping a close eye on its visits in the coming weeks.

Tips for Attracting Red-bellied Woodpeckers

If you’ve noticed similar behavior from Red-bellied Woodpeckers in your area, it’s likely tied to these seasonal habits. To encourage their return:

• Keep your feeders stocked with peanuts, suet, or other high-energy foods they enjoy.
• Opt for feeders with wide perches or trays to accommodate their size and feeding habits.

For more information on attracting woodpeckers, check out Birds and Bloom – What Do Woodpeckers Eat? The Best Woodpecker Food.