Woodpeckers are fascinating birds known for their unique ability to drill into wood and extract insects. They have a specialized tool for this task – a long, sticky, barbed tongue. This tongue is not only used for capturing insects but also for exploring cracks and crevices in search of food. It is through this behavior that woodpeckers sometimes find themselves drawn to hummingbird feeders.
Hummingbird feeders are designed to attract hummingbirds with their sweet nectar. However, these feeders can also catch the attention of other birds, including woodpeckers. While woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, they are opportunistic foragers and will readily explore new food sources if they come across them.
The sticky barbed tip of the woodpecker’s tongue is particularly well-suited for capturing insects. It allows them to quickly snatch up small prey and remove it from crevices in trees. When a woodpecker encounters a hummingbird feeder, it may be enticed by the sweet nectar and decide to investigate further.
It is worth noting that woodpeckers are not commonly seen at hummingbird feeders compared to other bird species. In Tennessee, for example, you may occasionally spot a few downy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers visiting hummingbird feeders, but they are not the primary visitors. This is likely because woodpeckers have a diverse range of food sources available to them, including insects, berries, nuts, and sap from trees. Hummingbird feeders may simply be one of many options for them.
In my personal experience as a bird enthusiast, I have observed woodpeckers occasionally visiting hummingbird feeders. However, their visits are usually brief and infrequent. They seem to prefer natural food sources and the thrill of drilling into trees in search of insects. The lure of the hummingbird feeder’s nectar may be tempting for a woodpecker, but it does not provide the same level of sustenance or hunting satisfaction as their primary food sources.
Woodpeckers occasionally drink hummingbird nectar out of curiosity or opportunism. Their sticky barbed tongues, designed for capturing insects, can also be used to sample the sweet nectar from hummingbird feeders. However, woodpeckers are not commonly seen at these feeders compared to other bird species. They have a diverse range of food sources available to them and prefer natural foraging methods.