Nuttall's Woodpecker
A California oak-woodland woodpecker that can use a suet feeder but relies on native trees and bark-dwelling insects.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look in oak woodland, streamside trees, wooded suburbs, and California yards with mature oaks, willows, cottonwoods, or sycamores.
Food
Beetles, larvae, ants, termites, millipedes, and other bark insects, with occasional fruit.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
One useful next step
Build for the habitat, not just the feeder.
Plant and retain locally native oaks, willows, shrubs, and safe standing deadwood that supports insects and cavities.
See the yard actionsA good yard is layered
Food helps, but cover, clean water, native plants, and a safe distance from hazards make a more dependable place for birds.
Nuttall's Woodpecker habitat
Plant and retain locally native oaks, willows, shrubs, and safe standing deadwood that supports insects and cavities.
Nuttall's Woodpecker diet and food
Beetles, larvae, ants, termites, millipedes, and other bark insects, with occasional fruit.
A secure suet feeder can help in suitable oak-country yards; position it near mature trees and keep it clean.
How to attract it
Food & feeder
Beetles, larvae, ants, termites, millipedes, and other bark insects, with occasional fruit.
Cover & plants
Plant and retain locally native oaks, willows, shrubs, and safe standing deadwood that supports insects and cavities.
Nuttall's Woodpecker nesting and breeding
Excavates a new cavity each year in dead trunks or limbs of willow, cottonwood, sycamore, oak, or alder; do not remove active cavities.
Nuttall's Woodpecker behavior and where to look
Clings vertically and circles trunks and branches while probing bark, often announcing itself with a dry rattle.
Photography
Wait near a trunk or regular suet stop and use a long lens without blocking flight paths to a cavity.
What to avoid
Do not remove safe dead limbs, use insecticides on oak trees, or hang loose netting near a suet feeder.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
