Curious about whether a woodpecker preys on other birds? Well, it may sound unusual, but as you better know about their diet, it will surprise you with a shocking secret.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at woodpeckers eating habits and explore the burning question: do woodpeckers eat other birds? Continue reading.
What Do Woodpeckers Generally Eat?
Woodpeckers have been seen to adopt astonishing eating habits, their unique beaks allow them to pick the insects hiding beneath the tree bark.
Well, woodpeckers generally eat insects and fruits. But their diet mostly contains insects. With their strong beaks and long legs, they fiercely attack these tiny creatures. Woodpeckers’ favorite diets include ants, beetles, caterpillars, termites, and spiders.
Woodpeckers play a crucial role when it comes to controlling insect populations in our ecosystem, which keeps our forests healthy.
Do Woodpeckers Eat Other Birds?
In general, a woodpecker won’t go directly to hunt other birds; sometimes, when there is a food shortage, they will occasionally eat baby birds. This behavior is not common in all woodpeckers species, but rather a rare incidence.
Red-headed and red-bellied, these two species have been seen flying over other birds’ nests and eating their eggs and young when left alone. Most of the woodpeckers are shy and they won’t go near other birds’ nests unless it’s necessary.
It’s important to understand that woodpeckers are opportunistic birds and while their diet consists of insects, they can additionally eat other birds too.
How To Protect Birds From Woodpeckers?
When it comes to protecting birds from woodpeckers, there are several ways you can utilize them to maximize their efficiency. Here are some tips to ensure the safety of other birds:
1. Grow Oak Or Pine Trees
Oak or pine trees can attract woodpeckers, as they provide natural habitat to these birds. Pine trees are among the favorite of woodpeckers, they enjoy eating pine nuts. Oak trees also provide a food source, as woodpeckers like eating acorns. By planting these trees, you can keep other birds safe from woodpeckers.
2. Place Platform Feeders
Platform feeders are another method you can use to prevent woodpeckers from preying on other birds. These feeders provide a steady source of food for woodpeckers which will help reduce the urge of attacking other birds. Make sure to place it in an appropriate place, away from other birds’ nests.
3. Treat Them Suet And Peanut Butter
Woodpeckers like foods that contain high fats and protein. You can offer them suet and peanut butter to distract them from preying on other birds. You can place suet in a feeder and spread the peanut butter on tree bark. This will not only ensure other birds’ safety but also provide them with nutrition.
4. Plant Fruit Bushes
This is another effective method for protecting birds from woodpeckers. Plant fruit bushes into your landscape, this will work as a natural food source for woodpeckers resulting in satisfying their hunger and reducing the likelihood of attacking other birds.
5. Arrange Sugary Water
Woodpeckers are attracted to sugary things, they like sweet foods. You can place sugary water or sweet nectar solution into a hummingbird feeder. This will redirect them not to attack other birds.
By offering alternative food sources, you can create a harmonious environment where different bird species can grow together.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers are the most amazing visitors you can have in your garden. They have a wonderful appearance and keep our environment balanced by feeding insects.
If you see a woodpecker in your garden, rest worry-free that they won’t prey on other birds, not at least adult ones. Although, they enjoy eggs and hatchlings. So make sure to keep them away from open nests or boxes.
