If you enjoy watching birds, chances are you’ve spotted Pileated Woodpeckers. These colorful birds are common in North America, but their habit of drilling holes in trees and houses can be frustrating. While they’re a bit of a hassle, they’re still fascinating to observe.
To keep these birds entertained and away from your home and trees, you can set up a bird feeder in your yard. But not just any feeder will work—you need one that suits their feeding habits. Finding the right feeder can be tricky and time-consuming, so I’ve put together a list of the best ones for Pileated Woodpeckers. Just choose from my recommendations, and you’re good to go!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Pileated Woodpeckers are common and colorful birds in North America, known for their habit of drilling holes in trees and houses.
• While their drilling behavior can be frustrating for homeowners, they remain fascinating to observe up close.
• Setting up bird feeders in your yard can help keep Pileated Woodpeckers entertained and away from causing damage.
• Choosing the right feeder for Pileated Woodpeckers is essential, as not all feeders cater to their specific feeding habits.
• Finding the best bird feeders for Pileated Woodpeckers can be challenging and time-consuming, but my top recommendations will simplify the process.
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Reviewing The Best Bird Feeders For Pileated Woodpeckers
1. Birds Choice SNPS Recycled Double Cake Pileated Suet Feeder
Let’s start with the Birds Choice SNPS Recycled Double Cake Pileated Suet Feeder. Crafted from recycled plastic, it’s an eco-friendly option. With its double cake design, it can hold two suet cakes, doubling the food for your feathered visitors. Tail props provide woodpeckers with extra grip and stability during meals.
Plus, a roof shields suet cakes from rain or snow, preserving their freshness in harsh weather. Refilling is a breeze thanks to its simple latch system. Cleaning is hassle-free too. The grills slide out for easy access to the interior. For a thorough clean, dip the feeder upside down in soapy water for thirty minutes, then scrub it with a brush. It’ll be good as new!
Key Features
• Ready to use straight out of the box – no assembly required.
• Simple to replace suet cakes once birds have emptied the feeder.
• Built with a robust and durable recycled plastic frame.
• Accessible from both sides for convenience.
• Easy to clean and upkeep for hassle-free maintenance.
2. Kettle Moraine 2-Cake Cedar Woodpecker Feeder
Next up on my list of top picks is the Kettle Moraine 2-Cake Cedar Woodpecker Feeder. Constructed with durability in mind, it features stainless steel screws, coated steel cables, and solid cedar wood, ensuring longevity even in harsh weather conditions.
This feeder boasts two separate compartments, accommodating two suet cakes, perfect for pairs of woodpeckers to dine together hassle-free. The open-grid design with a tail prop at the bottom offers optimal support and grip for woodpeckers, including larger species like pileated woodpeckers, allowing for comfortable feeding sessions.
While the roof easily slides open for refilling, it’s worth noting that the feeder isn’t entirely squirrel-proof. These critters may attempt to chew on the lid and frame, potentially causing damage. Consider upgrading to a more robust cover to deter squirrels and prolong the feeder’s lifespan.
Key Features
• Accommodates two suet cakes, one on each side.
• Crafted from sturdy solid cedar and secured with stainless steel screws.
• Easy refilling facilitated by its open-roof design.
• Features a spacious tail prop ideal for larger birds.
• Equipped with a stainless steel hanging cable.
• Compartments shielded by heavy gauge vinyl-coated wire mesh.
3. Solution4Patio USA Cedar Tail Prop Suet Bird Feeder
The Solution4Patio USA Cedar Tail Prop Suet Bird Feeder presents an excellent choice for attracting Pileated Woodpeckers to your backyard. Crafted from high-quality USA cedar wood, this feeder features a secure suet cage clasp to deter unwanted guests like squirrels.
Cleaning and refilling the Solution4Patio USA Cedar Tail Prop Suet Bird Feeder is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design. With quick access and easy maintenance, keeping this feeder in top condition is effortless. Its unique tail prop design, with a single perch bar on each side, provides woodpeckers with a comfortable resting spot during feeding sessions.
The suet cage, constructed from rust-free wire mesh, accommodates one suet cake and is topped with a protective roof, shielding the cake from adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow. This ensures the suet remains fresh and prevents spoilage over time. With its durable construction, this feeder is built to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring long-term durability and enjoyment.
Key Features
• Completely squirrel-proof design.
• Crafted from sturdy USA cedar wood.
• Simple to open, clean, and refill.
• Roof protects the suet cake from the elements.
• Suet cage constructed from rust-free wire mesh for lasting durability.
• Accommodates one suet cake.
• Features a tail prop with a single perch bar on each side.
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4. Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF2 Cedar Suet Upside-Down Bird Feeder
Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF2 Cedar Suet Upside-Down Bird Feeder offers a unique take on traditional feeders by presenting suet upside-down. This innovative design ensures that only birds with specialized hanging skills, like the pileated woodpecker, can access the suet cakes within, effectively deterring unwanted visitors.
Crafted from durable cedar wood, this feeder is built to endure over time while providing a secure feeding spot for pileated woodpeckers. Additionally, it minimizes wastage, reducing the need for frequent refills.
Constructed with stainless steel mesh and screws, this feeder can withstand various weather conditions and boasts rust-free hardware for long-lasting performance. The convenient roof design simplifies refilling—simply lift the top, insert the suet cake, and you’re ready to go. With space for only one suet cake, it fits snugly inside for optimal use.
Key Features
• Crafted from robust and enduring cedar materials.
• Its unique upside-down design effectively discourages unwelcome guests.
• Both mesh and screws boast rust-resistant properties.
• Refilling is effortless, courtesy of its user-friendly design.
• The roof structure shields suet from adverse weather.
• Hangs securely with a vinyl-coated steel cable.
• Perfectly accommodates a single suet cake.
5. SEWANTA Double Suet Cake Wild Bird Feeder
The SEWANTA Suet Wild Bird Feeder stands out as a top-rated option ideal for attracting Pileated Woodpeckers to your backyard. Its square design facilitates easy filling, allowing suet cakes to be effortlessly inserted and securely locked in place by the door. Additionally, it accommodates two suet cakes simultaneously, one on each side.
Equipped with a protective roof, this feeder ensures suet cakes remain intact regardless of weather conditions, preventing melting or soaking. Constructed from premium quality solid steel with a weather-resistant protective plastic finish, it boasts durability and resilience to outdoor elements.
You can rest assured that this feeder will withstand extended use without succumbing to damage or deterioration. Requiring minimal maintenance, it is simple to clean without the need for specialized tools—just soak it in water to loosen any remaining suet cake residue.
Key Features
• Crafted from durable and robust steel materials.
• Capable of accommodating two suet cakes.
• Equipped with a protective roof for added durability.
• Resistant to rust and corrosion thanks to its protective finish and plastic coating.
• Simple to maintain, clean, and refill.
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What Food Is The Best For Attracting Pileated Woodpeckers To Your Feeder?
The natural diet of Pileated Woodpeckers primarily consists of insects like ants, beetles, and termites, which they extract from tree bark. However, these birds display versatility in their food preferences and will also consume fruits, nuts, berries, and sap. Unfortunately, providing these foods at feeders poses a challenge due to their impracticality.
So, what’s the ideal food to attract Pileated Woodpeckers to your feeder consistently, while remaining practical for feeder use? Suet is definitely the best food for attracting Pileated Woodpeckers to your bird feeder. Known by bird lovers, this high-energy food reliably draws nearly every species of Pileated Woodpecker to feeders.
Suet is typically made from animal fat and can be obtained from bird supply stores or homemade using ingredients like beef fat or peanut butter mixed with seeds, corn, nuts, or berries. Whether molded into cakes, balls, pellets, or other shapes, Pileated Woodpeckers eagerly consume it. The selection of Pileated Woodpecker feeders listed below can accommodate suet in its various forms.
If you’re keen on attracting Pileated Woodpeckers to your backyard, stock up on suet and experiment with different brands to determine their preferred flavors. Additionally, keep peanuts and sunflower seeds on hand, as they are also favored by these woodpeckers.
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Places Where You Should Hang Your Pileated Woodpecker Bird Feeder
Here are some of the most ideal places where you should hang your Pileated Woodpecker bird feeder.
• Near Trees: Pileated Woodpeckers have a strong connection to trees, so placing the feeder near a tree trunk or branch using a long rope or chain with an S-hook is highly recommended. This offers them a natural environment and facilitates easy access to the food.
• Away from Predators: For the protection of these magnificent woodpeckers, refrain from positioning the feeder in close proximity to areas accessible to predators like cats or squirrels. Instead, opt for a location where they can feed without disturbance.
• Quiet Areas:Pileated Woodpeckers thrive in tranquil environments, far from noisy traffic or human commotion. Hang your feeder in a serene corner of your backyard or garden, free from activity, enabling these birds to enjoy their meal undisturbed.
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Final Thoughts
Attracting Pileated Woodpeckers to your backyard can be a rewarding experience with the right feeder and placement strategy. By offering suet and choosing a feeder designed to accommodate their feeding habits, you can enjoy the sight of these magnificent birds up close. Remember to hang the feeder in a quiet, predator-free location near trees to provide a natural setting for them to feed peacefully.