If you’re anything like me, the arrival of colder months doesn’t mean less birdwatching—in fact, it often means even more fun right in my own backyard! While most birds bid us goodbye as they migrate to warmer climes, woodpeckers are a special crew, and many of them stick around even as the snow falls. Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: Do woodpeckers migrate? Spoiler alert: Most of them are braving the chill alongside us! Let’s explore which species stay put, why they don’t mind the cold, and how we can give them a cozy winter home.
Do Woodpeckers Migrate? Not Really—They’re Winter Warriors
Most woodpeckers are year-round residents, toughing out the cold across North America. Unlike many other birds who fly south to escape the harsh winter, most woodpeckers prefer to dig in and adapt. They’re hardy creatures, fully equipped to handle the winter months with surprising ease—and honestly, it’s pretty awe-inspiring to watch!
Scientific Reason Behind Their Stay
Why do most woodpeckers stay put when others flee? A lot of it has to do with their foraging habits. Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects and larvae, which they find in the bark of trees. Even in the winter, they can still access their food, drilling into tree trunks to uncover insects hibernating beneath the bark. Some studies show that woodpeckers even increase their foraging activity in the winter to make up for the loss of easy pickings. It’s like they have their own hidden snack stash, and they’re determined to dig it out!
The Nesting Advantage
Here’s another fun fact: woodpeckers are cavity nesters, which gives them an edge in winter survival. They don’t need a cozy nest or leafy branch; instead, they can chisel out a cavity in a tree for shelter. Not only does this protect them from wind and snow, but it also helps them avoid predators. So for woodpeckers, trees serve as both a dining hall and a winter home.
My Wintertime Woodpecker Neighbors: Downy, Hairy, and Pileated
After a few winters spent watching these beauties, I can confidently tell you who you’re likely to see this season:
1. Downy Woodpeckers
Downy woodpeckers are the adorable small guys of the woodpecker family, and they’re absolute troopers in winter. Despite their size, these tiny warriors don’t migrate, staying in their territories year-round. One winter, I set out a suet feeder that had some peanut butter mixed in (a favorite treat of theirs), and within days, I had a whole downy fan club! They’re also super social, and I’ve even seen them “scold” each other to get a turn on the feeder.
2. Hairy Woodpeckers
Hairy woodpeckers look like downies’ bigger cousins, and like downies, they also stick around for the winter. They’re bolder, though—one winter, I watched a hairy woodpecker try to “move in” on my downy’s suet feeder. (Spoiler: The downy wasn’t having it, and I got treated to a tiny territorial standoff!) Hairy woodpeckers have a longer bill and are less shy, so if you’re keeping food out, expect them to show up and own it.
3. Pileated Woodpeckers
Pileated woodpeckers are the iconic large woodpeckers, and they’re tough as nails. Known for their fiery red crests and loud calls, these woodpeckers are the largest in North America, with wingspans that can reach nearly 30 inches! One winter, after a particularly heavy snowfall, I saw a pileated woodpecker hammering away at a hollow tree, sending snow flying everywhere—it was like watching a little lumberjack hard at work. They’re also partial to suet, and if you can give them a sturdy feeder, they might just make it their winter hotspot.
The Exception to the Rule: Do Red-Headed Woodpeckers Migrate?
Not all woodpeckers stick around, though. Red-headed woodpeckers are known to be partial migrators. In good food years, they’ll stay put, but in lean times, they’ll head south in search of more reliable food sources. I remember one winter when I was devastated not to see a single red-headed woodpecker. It turns out they’d all left, likely due to a poor acorn harvest that year. But come spring, they were back, just as vibrant as ever. This unpredictability makes spotting them in winter a bit of a treat!
Attracting Winter Woodpeckers: Tips and Tricks
Want to make your yard the ultimate woodpecker paradise? Here’s what I’ve found works best, especially in the colder months:
1. Suet, Suet, and More Suet
Woodpeckers need energy-rich foods to survive winter, and suet is their absolute favorite. One year, I ran out of suet, and I swear the downy woodpeckers were glaring at me. I now keep an extra stash, just in case. Suet cakes, especially those with peanuts or fruit, are a surefire way to bring woodpeckers into your yard all season long.
2. Peanuts: A Winter Staple
Woodpeckers are nuts for peanuts (pun intended!). I add unshelled peanuts to my feeders and watch as they nibble away, shell and all. Pro tip: if you use a peanut feeder, you’re likely to see fewer feeder bully birds like grackles. Just be careful where you place it, as squirrels will think it’s their invitation to feast!
3. Water is Key
In winter, fresh water can be hard for birds to come by. I use a heated birdbath to provide a steady water source, and I can’t tell you how many woodpeckers stop by for a sip. I’ve even seen a few splashes from downy woodpeckers braving the icy water—proof that even in winter, they can be feisty.
4. Natural Shelter: Leave Those Snags
Woodpeckers love dead trees and branches for shelter, so if you can, leave those snags standing. I had an old tree in the back that I was debating whether to remove, but after seeing a pileated woodpecker practically turn it into an Airbnb, I decided it was staying. It’s become a favorite spot for woodpeckers to find insects and take cover, and it’s now one of the best birding “hotels” in my yard!
Fun Woodpecker Facts for Winter Birdwatchers
Woodpeckers are quirky creatures, and knowing a bit about their habits only adds to the enjoyment of spotting them. Here are a few fun facts:
Brainy Birds: Woodpeckers have specialized skulls with spongy bones that absorb the impact of their pecking. This allows them to drill without injury. I’ve watched them hammer away in the dead of winter, unbothered by the cold or the strain. These guys are tough!
Food Storage Pros: Woodpeckers are known to stash food in tree cavities, which is helpful in winter when fresh insects are harder to find.
Unique Drumming: Woodpeckers “drum” to communicate, and you may notice an uptick in drumming sounds as they stake out winter territories. One winter morning, I woke up to what sounded like construction in my backyard—it was a pileated woodpecker, letting everyone know this was his turf!
Wrapping Up: Enjoying Your Winter Woodpecker Visitors
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about woodpeckers, it’s that they bring a little cheer to even the bleakest winter days. Watching them dart between trees, hammer away at suet, and claim their turf is endlessly entertaining—and it reminds me of just how resilient wildlife can be. So, if you’re lucky enough to have these winter warriors in your yard, make sure to spoil them a bit. Do Woodpeckers migrate? – They might not migrate, but they’re always up for a new feeder or a tasty suet cake!
Here’s to a winter filled with the pecks, taps, and vibrant splashes of color that woodpeckers bring. May your suet be plentiful and your birdbath unfrozen—because, trust me, your woodpeckers will thank you. Happy birdwatching!
