Are Woodpeckers Good to Have Around in Yard? (Are They Protected in Florida)

Woodpeckers are beautiful and useful birds, but some people find their constant drumming on chimneys, wood, or metal parts of their house frustrating. The tapping is part of their natural behavior — a way to announce territory, attract a mate, or stay in touch with one another.

While the sound may sometimes be loud and disturbing, it’s generally not destructive. Still, before attempting to remove a woodpecker from your property, you should consider the legal and moral implications.

In Florida, woodpeckers are a protected species. Killing them can result in fines and even jail time, so removal must always be done safely, legally, and humanely.

Does Florida Have Woodpeckers?

Yes, Florida is home to nine species of woodpeckers. Many have adapted to heavy urbanization, particularly in southern Florida where imported palm trees provide nesting sites. Dead palms, in particular, are ideal for woodpecker cavities, so leaving them standing can help attract these birds to your yard.

Are Woodpeckers Protected in Florida?

Yes. Woodpeckers are classified as migratory, non-game birds and are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law prohibits killing or harming federally protected birds.

Can You Kill a Woodpecker in Florida?

No, not without a special permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Penalties for killing a woodpecker include fines up to $500 and up to 6 months in jail. A permit may be granted only if you provide evidence that non-lethal exclusion or deterrence methods have failed.

Are Woodpeckers Good to Have Around in Your Yard?

Yes! Woodpeckers play a vital role in the ecosystem and can be fascinating to observe. They consume harmful insects, help control pests naturally, and add charm to your garden with their drumming sounds and colorful presence.

Feeders to Attract Woodpeckers

Feeders are one of the best ways to invite woodpeckers to your yard. Popular options include:

• Suet feeders – highly attractive to woodpeckers year-round.
• Tube feeders – ideal for small species like Downy woodpeckers.
• Woodpecker feeders – designed with tail supports for larger birds.
• Ball feeders – allow clinging birds to feed while performing acrobatics.
• Peanut feeders – shelled peanuts are a favorite treat.

Are Woodpeckers Good for Your Trees?

Woodpeckers help trees by eating pests and larvae hidden deep inside bark. This makes them valuable natural pest control allies. However, excessive excavation can sometimes damage living trees, especially when caused by sapsuckers seeking sap.

What Kind of Woodpeckers Live in Florida?

Florida is home to several woodpecker species, including:

• Ivory-billed Woodpecker – likely extinct, once native to southeastern forests.
• Red-cockaded Woodpecker – endangered, prefers pine forests.
• Hairy Woodpecker – common, prefers mature forests.
• Red-headed Woodpecker – near threatened, colorful but noisy.
• Pileated Woodpecker – large, dramatic, and loves mature forests.
• Red-bellied Woodpecker – Florida’s most common species.
• Northern Flicker – feeds on ants, often seen in winter.
• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker – migratory, winters in Florida.
• Downy Woodpecker – small, friendly, and frequent feeder visitor.

On a Final Note,

Woodpeckers are smart, colorful, and beneficial birds. Whether you enjoy their acrobatics at feeders or their drumming in trees, they add life to your yard. With Florida’s legal protections, the best way to coexist with them is to attract, observe, and enjoy them responsibly.