Woodpeckers
Member of the Picidae Family: Sapsuckers ... Flickers
Attracting Woodpeckers ... Controlling Undesirable Woodpecker Activities on your Property ... Nesting / Breeding ... Woodpecker Species
Woodpeckers are found worldwide and include numerous species, usually numbered at 211, including several extinct species.
Description:
Some woodpeckers and wrynecks in the order Piciformes have zygodactyl feet, with two toes pointing forward, and two backward. These feet, though adapted for clinging to a vertical surface, can be used for grasping or perching. Several species have only three toes.
The long tongue found in some woodpeckers can be darted forward to capture insects.
Woodpeckers gained their English name because of the habit of some species of tapping and pecking noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. This is both a means of communication to signal possession of territory to their rivals, and a method of locating and accessing insect larvae found under the bark or in long winding tunnels in the tree. The woodpecker first locates a tunnel by tapping on the trunk. Once a tunnel is found, the woodpecker chisels out wood till it makes an opening into the tunnel. Then it worms its tongue into the tunnel to try to locate the grub. The tongue of the woodpecker is long and ends in a barb. With its tongue the woodpecker skewers the grub and draws it out of the trunk.
Each breeding season, woodpeckers will take a week or two to dig a new hole in a living or dying tree to build their nest. The nest is about 6 to 8 inches (15 - 45 cm) below the opening. They sometimes use existing holes in stumps, poles or posts located in woodland areas and parks. Some woodpeckers will also use nest boxes provided in suburban locations.
These nests are lined only with wood chips and hold 2-8 white eggs laid by the females. Because the nests are out of sight, they are not visible to predators and eggs do not need to be camouflaged. Cavities created by woodpeckers are also reused as nests by other birds, such as some ducks and owls, and mammals, such as tree squirrels
Food:
The easiest way to attract Woodpeckers to your property is to provide them with the foods they love! Woodpecker Mixes, as well as protein-rich cakes, dehydrated insects and nuts, are all winners.
Often, woodpeckers will store food by wedging it deep into crevices. They prefer to forage in deciduous trees, but will also forage on the ground. Males tend to forage along trunks and large branches while females target slimmer, higher branches.
If you don’t mind having a "wild" look to your property, consider leaving a dead tree standing or incorporating a fallen log into a woodland-style garden scene. These hunting grounds will attract red-bellies as well as other exciting woodpeckers. And as always, make sure you have a good supply of water available.
Nesting Boxes:
They may also accept nesting boxes, such as Pileated Woodecker Nest Boxes.
Are Woodpecker Nestlings In Your Tree?
One common problem associated with deforestation or removing trees in urban areas has been described by Sue-Ryn Burns Wellesley. an Island NYS & Federally Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator:
" Last week I received two sets of nestlings that became orphaned when their tree-homes were cut down. Three nestling Blue Jays lost their mother when their tree was cut, and five Woodpeckers so tiny their eyes were still closed nearly got lost in the leaf litter. I got to talk with one landowner, who admitted it never occurred to her that anyone might be living in that dead looking tree. She was mostly concerned that her own home not be squashed should the high winds take it down.
The woodcutters were at the job site for hours cutting and clearing up, so the mother most likely took off.
I've spent a several days feeding the tiniest birds every hour, and as of this writing both sets of babies are doing well. Hopefully they will all make it to freedom eventually, though no one can raise baby birds like their own mothers.
If you are a landowner thinking about having a tree removed, please consider observing that tree for a few days before taking action. You may be surprised to find you have some feathered friends who only need a few weeks to go from nestling to flight. If you can afford to be patient, knowing you've helped a few songbirds thrive and multiply for another season in an increasingly dangerous world may be your reward.
If you absolutely have to remove a tree, keep an eye out for nests and birds. "Re nesting" is an option. If a nest or surrogate nest with babies in it is thoughtfully placed at about the same height in a nearby location, the mother will frequently return once it becomes quiet enough for her to hear her nestlings' calls. Keep watch and if that doesn't work, contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitator.
Handle the baby birds carefully, the mother will not abandon them because she "smells" human scent on them; most birds have a poor sense of smell. Not everyone takes in birds, but most rehabilitators are willing to help you find some one who does"
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