seattle woodpeckers

Seattle Woodpeckers: A Guide to the City’s Drumming Residents

Seattle is home to several species of woodpeckers, including the Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker. These birds play a vital role in the urban ecosystem by controlling insect populations and creating nesting cavities that other birds use.

These fascinating birds can be spotted year-round in Seattle’s parks, forests, and even residential areas, bringing a touch of the wild to the city.

Species of Woodpeckers in Seattle

Several woodpecker species call Seattle home, each with unique characteristics and preferred habitats:

• Downy Woodpecker: The smallest and most common woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker frequents backyard bird feeders and urban parks. They are easily identifiable by their small size and black and white plumage, with males sporting a red patch on the back of their heads.
• Hairy Woodpecker: Slightly larger than the Downy Woodpecker, the Hairy Woodpecker has a longer bill. They have similar plumage to the Downy but lack the black spots on the white outer tail feathers.
• Northern Flicker: A larger, ground-feeding woodpecker with a distinctive spotted belly and a bright red or yellow flash under their wings. Flickers often forage for ants on lawns and in parks. Check out more about the Northern Flicker on Wikipedia.
• Pileated Woodpecker: While less common in highly urbanized areas, the Pileated Woodpecker, a very large and striking woodpecker with a red crest, can be found in Seattle’s larger forested parks. They are known for their large rectangular excavations in trees.

Habitat and Diet

Seattle’s diverse habitats, from coniferous forests to urban parks, provide ample foraging and nesting opportunities for woodpeckers.

Habitat: Woodpeckers thrive in areas with mature trees, both living and dead. Dead trees, or snags, are particularly important as they provide nesting sites and are often teeming with insects. Parks, greenbelts, and even tree-lined streets in Seattle offer suitable habitats.

Diet: Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects, including beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which they extract from trees using their strong beaks and long, barbed tongues. They also eat fruits, nuts, and seeds, especially during the winter months. Northern Flickers are unique in their preference for ants, which they often find on the ground.

Ecological Role

Woodpeckers play a critical role in the health of the urban ecosystem. Their insect-eating habits help control populations of harmful pests that can damage trees. Moreover, the cavities they create in trees are later used by other birds, mammals, and insects for nesting and shelter.

How to Attract Woodpeckers to Your Yard

If you want to attract woodpeckers to your yard in Seattle, consider the following:

• Plant native trees: Native trees provide both food and shelter for woodpeckers.
• Leave dead trees standing: If safe to do so, leave dead or decaying trees standing to provide nesting and foraging sites.
• Offer suet: Suet, a high-fat food source, is especially attractive to woodpeckers during the colder months.
• Provide a water source: A bird bath or shallow dish of water can be a welcome sight for woodpeckers.
• Avoid pesticides: Pesticides can harm woodpeckers and eliminate their food source.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to identify woodpeckers in Seattle?

Observe their size, plumage patterns, and behavior. Use a bird identification guide or app to compare your observations with known characteristics of local species.

Are woodpeckers harmful to trees?

While woodpeckers can drill holes in trees, they generally target trees that are already weakened or infested with insects. Their actions can help remove dead or diseased wood and control pest populations.

When is woodpecker nesting season in Seattle?

Woodpeckers typically nest in the spring, from April to June.

What should I do if a woodpecker is damaging my house?

Try deterring woodpeckers by hanging reflective objects or using bird netting. Consult with a wildlife professional for further assistance.

Why do woodpeckers peck on houses?

Woodpeckers peck on houses for several reasons, including searching for insects, creating nesting cavities, or drumming to attract a mate and establish territory.

Summary

Seattle’s woodpeckers are an integral part of the city’s natural heritage. By understanding their habits and needs, we can help ensure that these fascinating birds continue to thrive in our urban environment. Observing these birds helps you appreciate nature.