As a wildlife biologist, I have always been fascinated by the feeding habits of different bird species. The downy woodpecker is one such avian creature that has caught my attention due to its unique dietary requirements.
When it comes to feeding these small and spunky birds, there are certain guidelines that should be followed in order to ensure their optimal health and well-being. In this article, we will explore what foods are best suited for downy woodpeckers and how you can provide them with a nutritious diet that meets their nutritional needs. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply looking to attract more feathered friends to your backyard, understanding the feeding habits of these fascinating creatures is sure to enhance your appreciation for the natural world around us.
Understanding The Downy Woodpecker’s Dietary Needs
Downy woodpeckers are small birds that belong to the Picidae family. They are commonly found in North America, where they prefer deciduous forests and wooded areas with plenty of trees. These birds have unique dietary needs that require attention if you want to attract them into your yard or garden.
One of the essential things to know about downy woodpeckers is their diet. The primary source of food for these birds includes insects such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Additionally, they also feed on berries and nuts during winter when insects become scarce. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide a variety of foods throughout the year.
Another important aspect of feeding downy woodpeckers is providing a suitable habitat. In addition to having enough trees around, you should consider planting berry bushes and fruit-bearing plants in your garden. You can also make bird feeders using pine cones filled with peanut butter mixture or suet blocks infused with mealworms.
The best way to attract downy woodpeckers into your backyard is by offering them high-quality food sources all year round. Besides being beneficial for the birds’ health, this will encourage them to establish nesting territories nearby. Remember always to keep an eye out for predators like cats or squirrels that may threaten these beautiful creatures’ safety.
Providing suitable habitats and high-quality foods are just some ways to ensure healthy populations of downy woodpeckers thrive near you! By making small changes in our gardens and backyards, we can create flourishing ecosystems while enjoying watching these magnificent creatures up close!
The Importance Of Providing A Balanced Diet
As a wildlife biologist/ornithologist, I cannot stress enough the importance of providing a balanced diet to downy woodpeckers. These birds require various types of food to maintain their health and energy levels.
One key component in their diet is insects, such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Downy woodpeckers use their sharp beaks to drill into trees and find these hidden treats. Providing suet or mealworms can also supplement this important aspect of their diet.
In addition to insects, downy woodpeckers also eat seeds, nuts, and fruits. Sunflower seeds are a favorite among many bird species, including downy woodpeckers. Other options include peanuts or fruit such as apples or berries.
It is crucial to provide a variety of foods when feeding downy woodpeckers. By doing so, you ensure that they receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal health and vitality. A well-fed bird is more likely to thrive and continue visiting your feeders for years to come.
Natural Food Sources For Downy Woodpeckers
Downy woodpeckers are known to feed on a variety of natural food sources. One of their primary food sources is insects such as ants, beetles, and caterpillars. These birds use their sharp beaks to drill into the bark of trees and search for insect larvae or pupae hiding within.
In addition to insects, downy woodpeckers also consume seeds from various plants including sunflowers and thistle. They have strong bills that allow them to crack open tough seed shells and extract the nutritious kernels inside. Downy woodpeckers may also eat fruits such as berries during times when other food sources are scarce.
Downy woodpeckers are opportunistic feeders and will sometimes scavenge for carrion or even steal eggs from nests of other bird species. However, these behaviors make up only a small portion of their diet compared to their consumption of insects and plant material.
Overall, providing a diverse mix of natural foods in your backyard can attract downy woodpeckers to your feeder. Planting native wildflowers and berry bushes can provide a source of seeds and fruit while leaving dead trees standing can create habitat for insect prey. By understanding what downy woodpeckers naturally feed on, we can help support these fascinating birds in our own backyards.
Nuts And Seeds
I’m a wildlife biologist studying downy woodpeckers, and I’m interested in what kinds of nuts and seeds they feed on. Sunflower Seeds, Peanuts, Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Cashews, Pistachios, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds, Poppy Seeds, Hemp Seeds, and Pine Nuts are all popular options for them. All these nuts and seeds provide a great source of protein, and downy woodpeckers can benefit from having a variety of these in their diet. Knowing which nuts and seeds to provide them is essential for their health and wellbeing.
Sunflower Seeds
As you sit in your backyard, enjoying the warm summer sun, a flash of red catches your eye. It’s a downy woodpecker! This tiny bird is known for its black and white feathers and bright red patch on its head. But what should you feed it? One excellent option to consider is sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of nutrients that downy woodpeckers need to thrive. These birds require high levels of protein and fat to maintain their energy levels as they hammer away at tree bark searching for insects. Sunflower seeds provide both of these essential macronutrients in abundance, making them a delicious and nutritious food choice for these industrious little birds.
When feeding downy woodpeckers with sunflower seeds, it’s important to choose the right type. Look for shelled or hulled sunflower seeds rather than those still in their shells. Hulled seeds are much easier for birds to eat since they don’t have to spend time cracking open the shell before eating the kernel inside.
In conclusion, if you want to attract downy woodpeckers to your backyard, consider offering them some delicious sunflower seeds. Providing this nutritious food will help keep these busy little birds healthy and happy as they go about their daily tasks of searching for insects among the trees around your home.
Peanuts
As we continue our discussion on the topic of nuts and seeds for bird feeding, another great option to consider is peanuts. Peanuts are a popular choice among backyard bird feeders and can attract a wide variety of species, including woodpeckers.
Peanuts are rich in protein, which is essential for birds like woodpeckers that require high levels of energy to maintain their daily activities. They also contain healthy fats that can help keep these energetic little birds full and satisfied throughout the day.
When offering peanuts to your feathered friends, it’s best to use unsalted versions since salt can be harmful to birds. You can provide them either as shelled or unshelled depending on your preference. Shelled peanuts are easier for birds to eat but may leave more debris behind, while unshelled peanuts require some effort from the bird but create less mess.
It’s important to note that while peanuts can be a nutritious food source for many bird species, they should always be offered in moderation. Too much of any one type of food can throw off a bird’s diet balance and potentially cause health problems over time. So make sure you’re providing a varied diet along with the occasional peanut snack to ensure your backyard visitors stay healthy and happy!
Fruits And Berries
As we discussed in the previous section, nuts and seeds are an excellent source of food for many bird species. However, when it comes to feeding downy woodpeckers, fruits and berries can also be a great addition to their diet.
One type of fruit that downy woodpeckers enjoy is apples. Cut up fresh slices or leave out old ones from your tree in a location where you have seen these birds before. You can also offer grapes, raisins, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and blueberries. These fruits provide both nutrition and hydration for the birds.
Another option is to grow native plants that produce berries such as elderberry bushes or serviceberry trees. These not only provide food but also attract insects which make up a large part of the downy woodpecker’s diet. Insects such as beetles and ants are high in protein which helps with growth and development.
It should be noted that while fruits and berries are beneficial for downy woodpeckers they should never replace other essential foods like suet or mealworms especially during cold winter months. A well-rounded diet will ensure optimal health for these beautiful birds.
Incorporating fruits and berries into your backyard bird feeding station is a simple way to attract more downy woodpeckers and improve their overall health. By providing a diverse array of foods throughout the year you can help support this species’ population as well as others who share their habitat.
Insects And Spiders
Amidst the vast array of creatures that populate our planet, insects and spiders are perhaps some of the most fascinating. These tiny beings play a crucial role in the ecosystem as they serve as prey for countless other animals, including birds like the downy woodpecker. When it comes to feeding these magnificent feathered friends, insects and spiders should be at the top of your list.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all insects are created equal. While some may be nutritious for downy woodpeckers, others may prove harmful or even toxic. It’s important to research which species are safe before offering them up as food. Common options include ants, caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers.
Spiders can also make for excellent meals for downy woodpeckers. However, similar to insects, there are certain types that should be avoided due to their venomous properties. In general, orb-weaving spiders tend to be safer choices than more aggressive hunters such as wolf spiders.
Overall, providing a diet rich in insects and spiders will help ensure that your beloved downy woodpeckers stay healthy and happy. Remember to do your research beforehand and always prioritize safety when selecting prey items. By following these guidelines, you’ll have no trouble attracting these beautiful birds to your backyard year-round!
Suet And Other Animal-Based Foods
Suet and other animal-based foods are excellent options for feeding downy woodpeckers. These birds have a high metabolism, which requires them to consume protein-rich diets. Suet is an ideal food as it contains high levels of fat and protein that provide the necessary energy for these active birds.
Apart from suet, mealworms are another excellent source of animal-based food for downy woodpeckers. Mealworms contain over 50% crude protein, making them a perfect addition to their diet. You can offer dried or live mealworms in feeders placed near trees where these birds often perch.
Another option is offering raw peanuts in the shell or shelled ones on platform feeders. Downy woodpeckers enjoy cracking open shells and obtaining the nutritious kernels inside. The nuts’ oil content provides essential nutrients required by these birds during cold winter months when natural food sources become scarce.
Lastly, you can offer eggs scrambled without salt, boiled with crushed shells or cooked without seasoning as a treat once in a while alongside other animal-based foods like suet and mealworms. Eggs provide various vital nutrients such as calcium and potassium that support overall health and development of young chicks.
In summary, including suet, mealworms, peanuts, and eggs in your bird feeder menu will keep your backyard visitors happy while providing them with valuable nutrition they need to thrive throughout the year.
Avoiding Harmful Foods
Suet and other animal-based foods are great for attracting a variety of bird species to your backyard, but what if you want to specifically feed the downy woodpecker? Well, ironically enough, this tiny bird prefers larger food items compared to its size.
- Downy woodpeckers have strong beaks that can handle tough insect exoskeletons and even tree bark. Therefore, they enjoy feeding on peanuts and sunflower seeds in shell.
- They also love suet mixed with insects such as mealworms or crickets.
- In addition, offering fruits like apples or grapes sliced in half can attract them too.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try hanging up some dried fruit slices or small chunks of cheese as well.
It is important to note that while it may seem tempting to offer bread crumbs or crackers, these types of human foods are not suitable for birds’ digestive systems and can cause harm in the long run. Similarly, avoid any type of salty or processed snacks.
Overall, providing a diverse array of food options will help ensure that downy woodpeckers visit your feeder regularly. Remember to keep your feeder clean and accessible for these little acrobats!
Providing Water For Hydration
As a wildlife biologist, it is important to consider not only the food sources but also the water needs of birds like downy woodpeckers. Providing access to clean and fresh water can be just as crucial as offering birdseed or suet.
Birds obtain much-needed hydration from both standing water and moving water sources such as streams or fountains. A simple birdbath with shallow water and a textured bottom for grip can serve this purpose well. It’s essential to keep the bath filled regularly so that birds have easy access to clean drinking and bathing water.
During dry spells, when natural water sources may be scarce, placing additional watering stations around your yard could attract more birds seeking relief from thirst. Consider putting out multiple small dishes in different spots rather than one large container that may become dirty quickly.
In addition to providing hydration for birds, keeping their environment hydrated has many other benefits. Water features in gardens create microclimates that offer shelter and breeding opportunities for various species of birds, insects and amphibians alike. By taking care of all aspects of our feathered friends’ needs — including their need for hydration — we contribute positively towards maintaining healthy ecosystems without even realizing it!
Feeder Placement And Design
When designing a feeder for downy woodpeckers, location should be a priority; it’s important to have it easily visible to the birds. Size matters too; make sure the feeder is big enough to accommodate a few birds at once. Type is another factor to consider; suet or other high-energy foods are ideal. I’d also suggest making the feeder easy to access and refill, as the birds will likely visit it often. Additionally, it’s important to keep the feeder clean; otherwise, the birds won’t use it. Lastly, try to avoid placing it close to predators; this will ensure the birds feel safe while they feed.
Location
Have you ever wondered what to feed downy woodpeckers? These small, black and white birds are a frequent visitor to backyard bird feeders across North America. But before we delve into their preferred foods, it’s important to consider the location of your feeder.
As a wildlife biologist/ornithologist, I highly recommend placing your feeder in an open area with good visibility for the birds. This will allow them to quickly spot any potential threats while they eat. It’s also important to keep the feeder away from windows that may reflect sunlight or nearby trees where predators could hide.
Another key factor in feeder placement is proximity to shelter. Downy woodpeckers prefer areas with plenty of cover such as bushes or trees, so having a feeding station near these locations can increase the likelihood of visits from these delightful birds.
Finally, it’s important to place your feeder at a height that is easily accessible but still out of reach from ground predators like cats and dogs. A height of about 5-6 feet off the ground should be sufficient. Additionally, make sure the feeder is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds or heavy snowfall.
In conclusion, taking into consideration factors such as visibility, shelter and safety when placing your bird feeder can greatly improve its effectiveness in attracting downy woodpeckers and other feathered friends. By providing optimal feeding conditions along with proper food selection — which includes suet cakes, sunflower seeds and peanuts — you can help support their populations while enjoying their charming presence in your own backyard.
Size
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of feeder placement, let’s move on to another crucial factor in attracting downy woodpeckers: size. The size of your bird feeder will not only determine how many birds can feed at once but also what types of food you can offer.
For downy woodpeckers specifically, a smaller feeder is often preferred as it allows them to cling onto the sides and reach their food easily. A tube-style feeder with small perches or even a simple mesh bag filled with suet cakes can work well for these tiny birds.
However, if you’re looking to attract other species like larger woodpeckers or finches, a bigger feeder may be necessary. These birds require more space to perch and access their food comfortably.
It’s important to note that regardless of the size of your feeder, make sure there is enough space between feeding ports or perches so birds don’t feel crowded or uncomfortable while eating. Additionally, having multiple feeders of varying sizes and heights throughout your yard can provide diversity in feeding options and increase the chances of attracting different species.
In summary, understanding the preferences and needs of specific bird species when it comes to feeder size can greatly enhance your backyard birding experience. By providing adequate space and considering the variety of birds you hope to attract, you can create an inviting environment for feathered visitors all year round.
Type
Now that we’ve covered the importance of feeder placement and size, let’s move on to another crucial factor in attracting birds: type. The type of bird feeder you choose can greatly impact the species of birds that visit your backyard.
For example, a platform feeder is great for ground-feeding birds like doves or sparrows, while a hopper feeder with a roof is ideal for keeping larger seeds dry and accessible for finches and cardinals. A nectar feeder with red coloring will attract hummingbirds, while suet feeders are perfect for woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds.
It’s important to note that different types of feeders require different maintenance routines. For instance, nectar feeders should be cleaned frequently to prevent mold growth, while tube-style feeders may need to have their ports cleared regularly.
Additionally, consider the material of your feeder when choosing a type. Wood feeders may look more natural but can deteriorate quickly in harsh weather conditions, whereas metal or plastic feeders tend to last longer.
In conclusion, understanding the needs and preferences of specific bird species regarding feeding habits can enhance not only the number but also diversity of feathered visitors in your yard. By providing various types of birdfeeders made out of suitable materials and maintaining them properly throughout each season, you create an inviting habitat where birds feel welcomed all year round.
Cleaning And Maintenance Of Feeders
The cleaning and maintenance of feeders is an essential task for bird enthusiasts. It ensures a healthy environment for birds to enjoy their meal, free from bacteria and mold that could harm them. There’s a theory that suggests not cleaning the feeder will help in attracting more birds as they’ll associate it with finding food easily. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Birds can get sick or even die due to contaminated food sources.
To maintain your feeder clean, you should follow some simple steps. First, remove all leftover seeds frequently; this prevents moisture buildup inside the feeder, which leads to bacterial growth. Second, scrub the feeder thoroughly using warm water and soap at least once a month. Finally, place the feeder in direct sunlight after washing so it can dry completely before refilling.
Here are three reasons why keeping your feeder clean benefits both birds and humans:
- Clean feeders prevent disease transmission: As mentioned earlier, dirty feeders expose birds to harmful pathogens such as Salmonella and E.coli.
- A clean feeding area attracts different species: Regularly cleaned feeders attract various bird types who may avoid dirty areas out of instinct.
- Keeps rodents away: Uncleaned feeders also attract rats and other vermin who feast on fallen seed debris.
In conclusion, maintaining a clean feeding station has numerous benefits beyond simply providing sustenance for our feathered friends. It contributes positively to their overall health while deterring pests like rodents from sharing space with us too!
Seasonal Changes In Diet
Downy woodpeckers are a common sight in North America, and their diet varies throughout the year. During the winter months, they mainly feed on insects that they find hidden beneath tree bark. They use their strong beaks to drill holes into the bark and extract any insect larvae or eggs that may be hiding inside.
As spring arrives, downy woodpeckers begin to expand their diets to include other sources of food such as fruits and seeds. This is because many insects have yet to emerge fully from hibernation at this time of year. By consuming berries and nuts, downy woodpeckers can supplement their diet until more insect prey becomes available.
During the summer months, downy woodpeckers primarily rely on insects for sustenance. Their main targets include ants, beetles, and caterpillars which they can easily locate through sound detection using their drumming technique. They also eat spiders and other small arthropods found around trees.
Autumn brings about another shift in diet for these birds as they prepare for the colder months ahead. During this time, downy woodpeckers will focus on gathering and storing food supplies that will sustain them during harsher weather conditions. They often collect acorns or other types of nuts which they cache away in tree crevices or under loose bark.
In summary, while downy woodpecker’s primary diet consists of insects all-year-round; it does vary with seasonal changes. Spring brings additional options like fruits & seeds when insects aren’t abundantly available whereas autumn means collecting long-lasting protein-rich foods before a scarcity phase sets in during winters- making them one smart bird adapting its feeding habits based upon nature’s cycles!
Attracting Downy Woodpeckers To Your Yard
To attract downy woodpeckers to your yard, it is important to provide them with the right kind of food. These birds primarily feed on insects and larvae found in trees, but they also enjoy seeds and nuts. Offering a variety of these foods can help entice them to visit your feeding station.
One way to offer insects is by providing suet cakes or balls that contain mealworms or other insect pieces. You can also hang up a piece of bark from a tree trunk or log where insects may be hiding. For seed options, try offering black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer thistle seeds. Nuts such as peanuts or almonds can also be offered in special feeders designed for small birds like the downy woodpecker.
In addition to food, it’s important to create an inviting environment for these birds. Providing nesting boxes made specifically for downy woodpeckers can encourage them to stay year-round. It’s also helpful to have plenty of trees and shrubs around your feeding area since these birds prefer wooded habitats.
Finally, keep in mind that downy woodpeckers are skittish birds and may take some time before feeling comfortable enough to visit your feeder regularly. Be patient and consistent with providing food and creating an appealing habitat, and you will likely see these beautiful birds frequenting your backyard in no time!
Other Bird Species That May Share The Same Feeder
After successfully attracting downy woodpeckers to your yard, it is important to be mindful of their dietary needs. These birds primarily feed on insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. However, they also enjoy the occasional seed or nut from a bird feeder.
When choosing what to offer in your bird feeder for downy woodpeckers, consider incorporating suet cakes or peanut butter smeared on tree bark. These high-energy foods provide an abundance of calories which can help sustain these active birds during colder months when food sources become scarce.
It’s important to note that while downy woodpeckers are small enough to share space with other bird species at your feeder, there may still be some competition over resources. To minimize conflicts between different types of birds sharing the same feeding area, ensure that there is ample spacing between feeders and try offering different types of seeds or nuts in multiple locations around your yard.
If you’re interested in attracting more than just downy woodpeckers to your backyard oasis, consider adding additional feeders and varying the type of food offered. Chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice are all common visitors at bird feeders and have similar dietary preferences as downy woodpeckers. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon have a diverse array of feathered friends visiting your yard throughout the year.
Tips For Observing Downy Woodpeckers In The Wild
Observing downy woodpeckers in the wild can be a thrilling experience for bird enthusiasts. Although they are common and widespread throughout North America, finding them may require some patience and keen observation skills. To ensure that you have an enjoyable time watching these birds, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s important to know where to look for downy woodpeckers. These birds prefer deciduous forests with plenty of trees and shrubs, especially those that produce nuts or fruits. They also tend to inhabit parks, gardens, and suburban areas with mature trees. Listen for their distinctive drumming sounds as they signal their presence while searching for food.
Secondly, when observing downy woodpeckers, try not to disturb them by being too loud or moving suddenly. Keep your distance and use binoculars if possible to get a closer view without disturbing them. Pay attention to their behavior; they often cling vertically on tree trunks or branches and move up and down in search of insects hiding under bark or within crevices.
Lastly, if you’re interested in feeding downy woodpeckers, there are many options available. They enjoy suet cakes made from animal fat mixed with seeds, peanuts or mealworms offered in specialized feeders designed for clinging birds like themselves. Alternatively, placing a few small pieces of fruit such as apple slices on a platform feeder might entice them into visiting your backyard.
Observing downy woodpeckers requires patience and careful observation but is well worth the effort given the beauty of these magnificent creatures. By following these tips you will increase your chances of encountering these wonderful birds during your next outdoor excursion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Downy Woodpeckers Eat Bread Or Other Human Foods?
As a wildlife biologist, it’s important to remember that birds have specific dietary needs. While bread and other human foods may seem like an easy option, they often lack the necessary nutrients for our feathered friends. When it comes to downy woodpeckers, their diet consists mainly of insects found in trees such as ants and beetles. They also enjoy nuts and seeds from bird feeders. Providing these types of food will not only benefit the health of your backyard visitors but also provide a natural and enjoyable experience for both you and them. So skip the Wonderbread and opt for something more fitting for our avian companions!
Should I Put Out Salt Or Other Minerals For Downy Woodpeckers?
As a wildlife biologist, it is important to recognize the dietary needs of downy woodpeckers. While many bird enthusiasts may be tempted to provide them with additional minerals such as salt, it is not necessary for their diet. Downy woodpeckers primarily feed on insects found in trees and shrubs, and occasionally consume seeds and fruits. Providing natural sources of food through habitat management is a better way to support these birds, rather than supplementing their diets with human foods or unnecessary minerals.
Are There Any Plants Or Flowers That Downy Woodpeckers Particularly Enjoy?
As a wildlife biologist, I am always fascinated by the intricate relationships between birds and their surroundings. Downy woodpeckers are no exception to this wonder. These small yet mighty birds feed on insects found in trees or shrubs including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. However, if you want to create an environment that attracts these feathered friends into your garden, there are some plants and flowers they particularly enjoy such as Bee balm (Monarda), Goldenrod (Solidago), Coneflower (Echinacea), Sunflowers (Helianthus), and Redbud tree (Cercis canadensis). By planting these species in your backyard or creating a bird-friendly habitat with natural food sources like suet and mealworms, you can provide a delightful home for downy woodpeckers while also enjoying nature’s beauty at its best.
How Often Should I Clean My Downy Woodpecker Feeder?
To ensure the health and well-being of your backyard birds, it is important to regularly clean their feeders. This includes removing any leftover food or debris that may have accumulated over time. As a wildlife biologist/ornithologist, I recommend cleaning your downy woodpecker feeder at least once every two weeks. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew, however, it is important to clean the feeder immediately as these can be harmful to birds. By maintaining a clean feeding station, you will not only promote good hygiene but also attract more birds to your yard for years to come.
Can Downy Woodpeckers Eat Dried Fruits Or Nuts?
As a wildlife biologist, it’s fascinating to observe the different feeding habits of various bird species. When it comes to downy woodpeckers, they primarily feed on insects and larvae found in tree bark. However, they are also known to consume seeds and nuts from time to time. Dried fruits can be offered as a supplement, but should not make up the majority of their diet. It’s important to provide a balanced and diverse diet for these feathered friends, ensuring that their nutritional needs are being met year-round.
Conclusion
Well folks, it’s been a riveting discussion on what to feed our feathered friends, the Downy Woodpeckers. As an esteemed wildlife biologist/ornithologist (basically a bird nerd), I can tell you that these little guys have quite the appetite.
Now, let me clear up any confusion — no, Downy Woodpeckers do not enjoy your stale bread or leftover pizza crusts. Sorry to burst your carb-filled bubble. They prefer insects and larvae found in trees, but if you’re feeling generous, offering suet cakes or seeds like sunflower or peanuts will surely make their day.
And please, for the love of all things avian, do not put out salt or other minerals for them. That is just plain dangerous and could harm their delicate systems. Stick to natural food sources and leave the supplements for us humans who apparently need them more than we care about our fine feathered friends.
In terms of plants and flowers, Downy Woodpeckers are known to be attracted to fruit-bearing shrubs such as elderberry and viburnum. And when it comes to cleaning your feeder — don’t slack off! A dirty feeder can lead to mold growth which can make birds sick. So keep that thing spotless and scrubbed down regularly.
All in all, feeding Downy Woodpeckers is pretty simple stuff — stick with natural foods they would find in their environment and avoid anything processed or salty. And remember folks: happy birds equal happy life (or something like that).