Acorn Woodpeckers in Arizona do this, too.
Bruce
Date sent: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 23:43:36 -0400
Send reply to: Kenn Kaufman <[log in to unmask]>
From: Kenn Kaufman <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-birds] Unusual Hummingbird feeder Visitor
To: [log in to unmask]
> Hi Michele,
> That's a neat observation. I haven't seen Red-bellied Woodpeckers
> visiting hummingbird feeders in Ohio, but I've seen this happen in
> Louisiana. A close relative of this species, the Gila Woodpecker, is a
> very frequent visitor to hummer feeders in Arizona, clinging awkwardly and
> lapping up the sugar water. Another relative, Golden-fronted Woodpecker,
> comes to hummer feeders (and to oriole feeders, including sliced oranges)
> in southern Texas. It's my impression that this particular group (the
> barred-backed members of the genus Melanerpes) tend to be more adaptable
> or more varied in their diets than most woodpeckers. But a taste for
> sweet liquids may run in the family, if you consider that the sapsuckers
> are just woodpeckers specialized for drinking sap.
>
> Still, if all the local Red-bellieds get into the act, your mother-in-law
> may wind up going through even more than 100 pounds of sugar this year!
>
> Kenn Kaufman
> Rocky Ridge, Ohio
>
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