Top 10 Best Woodpecker Feeders Reviewed

Roughly twenty species of woodpeckers can be found in North America. For the most part, woodpeckers do not migrate and live in the same area throughout the year. They are tremendously beneficial to the environment and they consume thousands of garden pests like wood-boring insects. Enticing woodpeckers to gather in your backyard is extremely enjoyable as they are fascinating to watch. These cheerful birds will reward you by consuming insect pests like ants, crickets, flies, grasshoppers, spiders, beetles, wasps and grubs. Below are ten top woodpecker feeders you can consider for your yard:

1. Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF1 Tail-prop Suet Bird Feeder

If you’re looking for a durable and attractive feeder that will attract large woodpeckers to your backyard, the Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF1 Tail-prop Suet Bird Feeder is a great choice.

Pros

• The tail-prop design is ideal for attracting large woodpeckers like the Pileated to your backyard.
• The kerfs provide additional gripping surface for birds to cling.
• Constructed with rust-free mesh and screws, and includes vinyl-coated steel hanging cable for a durable feeder that will last for years of birding enjoyment.

Cons

• The roof (lid) is a bit difficult to open to insert suet cake.
• The feeder swings terribly in the wind, which can frighten away birds from the other feeder.
• The roof is too light and there is no way to lock it down, so squirrels are able to lift the roof right off and eat all the food.

This feeder is made with premium cedar and rust-free screws and mesh, making it a durable and long-lasting option for bird lovers. The tail-prop design is ideal for attracting large woodpeckers like the Pileated to your backyard, and the kerfs provide additional gripping surface for birds to cling. The feeder holds 1 suet cake and includes a vinyl-coated steel hanging cable for easy installation.

Overall, if you’re looking for a feeder that can attract large woodpeckers and is built to last, the Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF1 Tail-prop Suet Bird Feeder is a great choice.

2. MEKKAPRO Suet Feeder

If you’re looking for an adaptable bird feeder that can hold two different kinds of food at once, the MEKKAPRO Suet Feeder is a great option.

Pros

• The MEKKAPRO Suet Feeder is designed to be very appealing to clinging birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice and more.
• It’s easy to use – you can just pop open the suet cake feeder, drop your chosen bird food in it and watch those woodpeckers and nuthatches enjoy their sumptuous meal.
• The feeder is made with the best materials for your bird friends. Its quality roof protects the suet cakes from the elements, and the rust-proof enclosure makes sure that the bird food you put in is rust-free.

Cons

• The doors on the feeder can be easily opened by squirrels, so if you have a lot of squirrels in your area, this may not be the best feeder for you.
• Some customers have reported that the suet cakes sit too loosely inside the feeder, making it difficult for birds to access the food.
• The feeder is a bit bigger than some other suet feeders, which may be an issue if you have limited space.

If you’re looking for a suet feeder that can hold two different kinds of food, the MEKKAPRO Suet Feeder is a great option. It’s designed to be appealing to a variety of birds, and it’s easy to use. However, if you have a lot of squirrels in your area, you may want to look for a more squirrel-proof feeder. Additionally, some customers have reported that the suet cakes sit too loosely inside the feeder, so you may want to keep an eye on that. Overall, though, the MEKKAPRO Suet Feeder is a solid choice for anyone looking to attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and other clinging birds to their backyard.

3. Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder

If you’re looking for a squirrel-proof suet feeder that can hold two suet cakes and attract a variety of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and jays, the Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder is a great option.

Pros

• The innovative design provides easy access for suet-loving birds while keeping squirrels and large birds out.
• It pays for itself in saved food by preventing squirrels from stealing wild bird food.
• The detachable component system makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the feeder can be difficult to assemble.
• The weight adjustment mechanism can be tricky to use.
• The feeder may not be as durable as some users would like.

The Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder is an innovative and effective way to attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and jays to your yard while keeping squirrels and large birds out. The feeder’s unique design provides easy access to suet for birds while keeping squirrels and large birds from accessing the food. This helps to prevent food waste and save money in the long run. The detachable component system also makes it easy to clean and maintain the feeder.

However, some users have reported that the feeder can be difficult to assemble, which may be a downside for some people. Additionally, the weight adjustment mechanism can be tricky to use, which may be frustrating for some users. Finally, some users have reported that the feeder may not be as durable as they would like, which may be a concern for those who want a long-lasting feeder. Overall, the Squirrel Buster Suet Feeder is a great option for those looking for an effective and innovative way to attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and jays to their yard.

4. Gray Bunny Premium Steel Sunflower Seed and Peanut Feeder

If you’re looking for a durable and effective wild bird feeder, the Gray Bunny Premium Steel Sunflower Seed and Peanut Feeder is a great option.

Pros

• Easy to use and maintain
• Galvanized steel mesh with precisely sized openings keeps contents secure yet accessible
• Comes with a 1-year warranty

Cons

• May be a little light
• Squirrels may be able to open it up
• Mesh may be too small for some types of nuts

The Gray Bunny Premium Steel Sunflower Seed and Peanut Feeder is an entertaining and effective way to feed and watch wild birds in your own backyard. It’s easy to use and maintain, with a fully exposed design that allows for multiple birds to feed simultaneously. The galvanized steel mesh with precisely sized openings keeps contents secure yet accessible, while the sliding lid opens easily for refills but proves difficult for squirrels to move. The feeder is great for shelled peanuts without hulls, dried fruit mixes, and black oil sunflower seeds.

This feeder is also a great gift idea for parents, nature lovers, and children. Maintaining the feeder by ensuring it is well stocked becomes an enjoyable activity that’s great for keeping the elderly busy or teaching young ones responsibility. The feeling of joy and satisfaction that comes from feeding hungry animals is priceless.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality wild bird feeder, the Gray Bunny Premium Steel Sunflower Seed and Peanut Feeder is definitely worth considering.

5. Kingsyard Recycled Plastic Suet Bird Feeder

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and durable suet feeder for woodpeckers and other clinging birds, Kingsyard Recycled Plastic Suet Bird Feeder is a great option.

Pros

• The tail prop design of this feeder provides a resting place for woodpeckers to balance while feeding.
• Made from durable recycled plastic and stainless metal mesh, this feeder is easy to clean and great for year-round use.
• The premium quality and pretty design of this feeder make it a great addition to your garden or yard.

Cons

• Some customers found it difficult to fit suet in the feeder without losing some of it.
• A few customers reported that larger birds struggled to feed from this feeder.
• One customer reported that the feeder was damaged by a bear.

This suet feeder is exclusively designed by Kingsyard and holds one standard-sized suet cake. It’s also suitable for oranges, bread, and nesting materials in the summer. Additionally, this feeder makes a great gift for bird lovers, gardeners, and anyone who enjoys the beauty of nature.

The Kingsyard Recycled Plastic Suet Bird Feeder has a 4.5-star rating from 114 customers on Amazon. If you’re looking for a sturdy and eco-friendly suet feeder for woodpeckers and other clinging birds, this feeder is definitely worth considering.

6. Solution4Patio USA Cedar Tail Prop Suet Bird Feeder with One Perch, Clasp Suet Cage for Squirrel Proof, Suet Cake Holder for Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Chickadees, etc.

If you are looking for a durable, weather-resistant woodpecker feeder that is easy to refill and keeps squirrels out, then the Solution4Patio USA Cedar Tail Prop Suet Bird Feeder might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The perch design is ideal for attracting large woodpeckers like the pileated to your backyard and provides comfortable feeding to keep birds eating longer.
• The feeder is made of sturdy and durable USA cedar, which is corrosion-resistant and smells great, attracting different kinds of birds for a great birdwatching experience.
• The little clasp in the cage makes it squirrel-proof, allowing your favorite wingmen to enjoy their food without being disturbed.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the hook to suspend the feeder is flimsy and needs to be replaced with something stronger.
• The feeder is smaller than it appears in the photo, so it may not be suitable for larger birds like the Pileated woodpecker.
• The feeder is not suitable for anything but small woodpeckers.

This woodpecker feeder is designed with a roof that keeps the cakes away from rain or snow, making it weatherproof. It holds one suet cake at a time and is easy to refill. The feeder is made of cedar, which is a natural insect repellent, so you don’t have to worry about bugs getting into the feeder. The Solution4Patio USA Cedar Tail Prop Suet Bird Feeder comes with a 3-year warranty and provides exceptional quality products and top-notch customer service.

7. AmishToyBox.com Suet-Cake Bird Feeder

If you’re looking for a durable, eco-friendly, and stylish woodpecker feeder, the AmishToyBox.com Suet-Cake Bird Feeder is a great choice.

Pros

• Attract woodpeckers and flickers to your backyard with suet cakes
• Made by Amish craftsmen in Shipshewana, Indiana
• Eco-friendly design using 100% recycled plastic

Cons

• Only suitable for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and flickers
• May not be large enough for bigger birds
• Only comes in three color combinations

This woodpecker feeder is fade-resistant and maintenance-free, making it a great addition to your garden. The feeder is easy to use – simply place two suet cakes into the bird feeder, hang it up with the attached cable, and watch your feathered friends feast.

Crafted with durable poly “lumber”, this woodpecker feeder is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic for ultimate environmental stewardship. The feeder also features stainless steel screws and comes ready to hang with a stainless cable and ring.

Overall, the AmishToyBox.com Suet-Cake Bird Feeder is a great choice for those who want an eco-friendly and stylish woodpecker feeder that will attract woodpeckers and flickers to their backyard.

8. Kettle Moraine Cedar Woodpecker Feeder

If you’re looking for a woodpecker feeder that can withstand the elements, then the Kettle Moraine Cedar Woodpecker Feeder is a great option.

Pros

• Made in the USA with solid cedar construction.
• Assembled with stainless steel screws for durability.
• Features a perforated bottom for drainage.

Cons

• Some customers have reported issues with squirrels and other animals damaging the feeder.
• The feeder may be difficult to fill and clean for some users.
• The product may not be as effective at attracting woodpeckers as other feeders on the market.

This woodpecker feeder is a great option for those who are looking for a feeder that is made to last. The solid cedar construction and stainless steel screws make it durable and able to withstand the elements. Additionally, the perforated bottom ensures that the feeder stays dry and free of mold and mildew.

One downside to this feeder is that some customers have reported issues with squirrels and other animals damaging the feeder. Additionally, the feeder may be difficult to fill and clean for some users. However, overall, the Kettle Moraine Cedar Woodpecker Feeder is a great option for those who want a durable and effective woodpecker feeder.

9. Birds Choice Suet-Sandwich Feeder

The Birds Choice Suet-Sandwich Feeder is a great choice for woodpecker enthusiasts who want to keep other pests at bay.

Pros

• Accommodates woodpecker’s tongue and bill while deterring other pests
• Easy to fill with spreadable suet
• Made of durable poly-resin material

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with the hook
• Only suitable for woodpeckers
• Some birds may have difficulty accessing the suet

This suet feeder is designed especially for woodpeckers and features a patented design to accommodate their unique tongues and bills while also deterring other pests. It’s easy to fill with spreadable suet and is made of a durable poly-resin material.

If you’re looking for a feeder that will attract woodpeckers and keep other pests at bay, the Birds Choice Suet-Sandwich Feeder is a great choice. However, keep in mind that it’s only suitable for woodpeckers and some birds may have difficulty accessing the suet.

10. Birds Choice SNTP Recycled Single Cake Tail Prop Suet Feeder

This high-quality suet feeder is a great choice for those looking to attract a variety of birds to their backyard.

Pros

• Made from recycled plastic, making it environmentally friendly
• Designed to prevent cracks, splits, and fading
• Tail prop included, making it easier for woodpeckers to feed

Cons

• Squirrels may be able to access the suet
• Only holds one suet cake at a time
• May not be as durable as some other suet feeders on the market

If you’re looking for a suet feeder that is both environmentally friendly and effective at attracting birds, the Birds Choice SNTP Recycled Single Cake Tail Prop Suet Feeder is a great choice. Made from recycled plastic, this feeder is designed to prevent cracking, splitting, and fading, ensuring that it will last for years to come. Additionally, the tail prop included with this feeder makes it easier for woodpeckers to feed, which can help attract a wider variety of birds to your backyard.

One potential downside of this feeder is that squirrels may be able to access the suet, which could be a problem for some birdwatchers. Additionally, this feeder only holds one suet cake at a time, which may not be enough for those looking to attract larger flocks of birds. Finally, while this feeder is well-made, it may not be as durable as some other suet feeders on the market.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality suet feeder that is both environmentally friendly and effective at attracting birds, the Birds Choice SNTP Recycled Single Cake Tail Prop Suet Feeder is a great choice. Just be aware of its potential limitations before making your purchase.

Woodpecker Feeder Selection Tips

In nature, woodpeckers live off a variety of different foods including grubs and insects, fruits, oily nuts, acorn and sap. Also, different species of woodpeckers have slightly different eating habits and prefer some foods more than the other.

For backyard birders, however, it is somewhat difficult (though not impossible) to incorporate all of these different food groups on to their feeding station. As such, most rely on the most popular and proven method to attract and feed woodpeckers, and this is the suet cake.

Yes, woodpeckers love suet and they aren’t too picky about it either. If using commercial suet cakes, you can use them right out of the box (no need to render, etc.) and you’ll find one or more woodpeckers happily gorging away on it.

For this reason, suet feeders happen to be a natural choice as a woodpecker feeder. However, as you’ll notice from our list, there are some woodpecker feeders that allow you to offer other foods such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, etc. This may make it a bit confusing as to when it comes to selecting a woodpecker feeder. So, here’s our comprehensive buying guide plus a checklist that we hope will help.

1. Suet Feeders

Since woodpeckers are clinging birds, any simple metal basket or cage suet feeder should be good enough to go as long as the product is sturdy and well-built.

However, the birds will feel more comfortable with a suet feeder that comes with a tail prop. And we would strongly encourage you to get one of these models.

Another good choice is a suet feeder (with/without tail prop) that supports two suet cakes. This has TWO advantages: one, you won’t need to refill too often and secondly, you can put two different suet cake products side by side and can find out firsthand what product is favored more by the birds.

Suet log feeders are another good option as these vertically hanging log-like feeders with drilled holes across their length look more natural in your yard. You can use commercial suet plugs to fill up the holes. Or, if you are a bit more industrious, you can jam the holes with some homemade suet dough, or even with peanut butter.

[Additional note: If you’ve larger woodpeckers visiting your yard, go for a larger suet cage.]

2. Other Feeders

Woodpeckers also like fruits, black oil sunflower seeds, shelled or unshelled peanuts. If you’ve already have some vertical sunflower seeds mesh feeder in your feeders collection, you may use that to feed the woodpeckers the sunflower seeds. Vertical feeders since woodpeckers are clinging birds and would be more comfortably off with this type of feeders.

Or, you may invest in feeders specifically designed for woodpeckers such as the Brome Woodpecker-Friendly Tail Prop Peanut Feeder or the Gray Bunny Peanut and Sunflower Seed Feeder (refer to our list).

3. The Checklist

Construction quality. Make sure that the feeder is made of good quality material and is sturdy and durable. Try to choose a product from a reputable brand and check the warranty provisions.

Easy to hang and clean. During summer months, suet feeders can get a bit messy, and you don’t want to end up with a product that will be a pain to clean thoroughly!

Easy to fill. Snow or sleet, woodpeckers will be there to nibble away at your suet cake. And you’ll appreciate an ‘easy-to-fill’ option during the bitterly cold winter months.

Whether or not the feeder comes with a tail prop.

Good visibility and accessibility. Birds must be able to sight the food from a distance and should be able to access the food without any difficulty.

Size and amount of suet cakes the feeder will hold.
Accessories. It is great to have a feeder that provides some in-built protection for food such as a weather guard, a squirrel proof function, etc. However, these are not absolutely necessary and in any case, you can attach separate weather guards, etc to your feeder if the need arises.

Types of Woodpecker Feeders

As we’ve mentioned just now, there are many different types of woodpecker feeders: the Basic Cage Feeder, Cage Feeders with a Tail Prop, Log Feeder as well as Sunflower Seed and Peanut Feeders. Based on your needs and preferences, you may choose to settle for any one or more of these feeders. However, some kind of suet feeder is a must if you are looking forward to feeding woodpeckers.

Another option not too commonly deployed is to use a large and simple tray feeder where you can place different sorts of foods (shelled/unshelled peanuts, cracked corn, seeds, raisins, fruit slices, dried mealworm as well as a small suet cake helping or suet nuggets). This is an option that you may try if you want to have different species of woodpeckers frequenting your backyard. Although suet is typically well-loved by woodpeckers, not all of these birds may be too keen on it. At any rate, you can experiment!

Top Woodpecker Feeder Brands

Bird’s Choice and Nature’s Way are two brands that enjoy great reputations in the bird-feeding world and they have some nice suet feeders to offer as well. However, when it comes to suet feeders in particular, Stokes and Stovall are two brands that offer a line of innovatively designed, good quality durable products at affordable prices.

– Average Pricing

As you can see from our above list, you can get a good number of quality feeders under $20. However, as is often the case, the more you pay, the better the quality and durability of the product. So, if the price is not a factor, you may just as well go for the higher end products such as the Brome Squirrel Buster ($65) or the Bird’s Choice 2-Cake Suet Feeder ($53) included on our list.

How to Make your Own Woodpecker Feeder DIY

You can find some brilliant ideas on internet on how to make your own DIY woodpecker feeder. You can make all the different types of feeders discussed above. However, the easiest is to prepare a Log Feeder.

Just get yourself a piece of log not too long and not too wide in diameter (refer to the Stovall Log Feeder on our list to get an idea). Though it is not a must, it’s a good idea to render the log so it lasts longer. Drill some large holes across the length of the log. You may also attach some perches, though this is optional. And finally, fit some kind of hanging contraption (made of metal chains, thick twisted wire, etc.) to the log and voila, you’ve your homemade woodpecker feeder all finished and ready to use!

Woodpecker at Your Backyard: Questions and Answers (Q&A)

How do I attract woodpeckers to my yard?

In addition to hanging the feeder (or feeders), put up a nectar feeder in your feeding station as woodpeckers love sweet nectar as well. However, don’t use your hummingbird feeder for this purpose. Woodpeckers have larger peaks, so choose a nectar feeder with larger feeding ports.

As to landscape painting, keep in mind that woodpeckers are commonly attracted to oak and pine trees, for acorns and for nuts and saps, respectively. At the same time, the birds also favor fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.

Smear some tree trunks directly with peanut butter. This trick will go a long way to attract woodpeckers to your ward.

Leave some deadwood snags in your garden. They will provide nice little nesting places for the birds.

What is the best food to feed woodpeckers?

Suet cakes are the most common option. Any variety—store-bought cakes, straight-from-the-butcher and so on—should suffice. However, you may also try suet mixed with fruits, nuts and berries—the birds will love it. [Also refer to our tray feeder options related above.]
Then peanuts are something woodpeckers are highly fond of. However, if you’re giving shelled peanuts, make sure to give unsalted peanuts.
Then, black oil sunflower seeds are another favorite of theirs. Hairies and Downies are known to be particularly fond of them.

What kind of bugs do woodpeckers eat?

Woodpeckers are often thought of as a nuisance in urban or semi-urban areas. However, these birds actually do a great job as a balancing component in woody neighborhoods and organic gardens. This is because woodpeckers are natural exterminators and they would devour all sorts of grubs and insects including bees, flies, mosquitoes, ants, beetles and more.

If you’re looking for an additional feeding option though, it is not practical to use most of these bugs at your feeding station. However, you can always put some freeze-dried mealworms at your tray or platform feeder.

How do I clean my woodpecker feeder?

This will depend on what type of feeder you’re using and the materials they are made of. However, for most suet feeders, you can simply clean them with hot water. Don’t use detergent or soap, although it’ll be okay if you wash the feeder with a diluted bleach water solution or with a water and vinegar mix. Use a brush to clean the metal bars thoroughly and air dry the feeder before putting it up again.