hairy woodpecker

The hairy woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) is a medium-sized woodpecker found in North America. They are known for their striking black and white plumage, and distinctive behavior of tapping on trees with their bills in search of food.

If you want to attract hairy woodpeckers to your yard, providing a suitable nest box can be helpful. The nest box should be placed on a mature tree trunk, at a height of 10-20 feet above the ground. The entrance hole should be 1.5 inches in diameter, and the interior of the box should be rough to allow the woodpeckers to cling onto the walls. Additionally, the nest box should be placed away from bird feeders to reduce competition with other bird species.

In addition to providing a nest box, there are other things you can do to attract hairy woodpeckers to your yard. They are primarily insectivorous, so offering a variety of insects, such as mealworms or suet, in a designated feeding area can be helpful. Planting native trees and shrubs that produce nuts, seeds, or fruits can also attract these birds to your yard. Hairy woodpeckers are also known to visit backyard bird feeders that offer suet or peanuts.

It's important to note that hairy woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and should not be disturbed during nesting season. If you are unsure about how to attract hairy woodpeckers to your yard, consider consulting with local wildlife experts or organizations for guidance. They can provide valuable information about habitat requirements, bird feeding, and nest box placement.