Foraging Behavior of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers: An Evaluation of Research Methodologies

Porter, Margaret L.; Collopy, Michael W.; Labisky, Ronald F.; Littell, Ramon C.

doi:10.2307/3801562

Cited by 8 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…We conducted focal animal sampling (i.e., fixed-interval time point sampling; Martin and Bateson 1993) two to three times per season for each RCW group from September 1999-September 2001. Specifically, we observed behavior at 10-min intervals (Porter et al 1985, Bowman et al 1998 for 5 h after a RCW group left their cavity trees. At each time interval, we identified trees as foraging or non-foraging substrates depending on RCW behavior at the time of observation.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 82%

Relationships of red-cockaded woodpecker reproduction and foraging habitat characteristics in Arkansas and Louisiana

Butler

Tappe

2008

Eur J Wildl Res

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Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW; Picoides borealis) productivity is influenced by characteristics of forests in which they forage. Thus, we investigated the relationships between stand conditions and RCW reproduction. We conducted focal animal sampling two to three times per season for ten RCW groups from September 1999-September 2001 in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana, USA. We measured overstory and understory vegetation characteristics associated with observed foraging sites. Mean diameter at breast height (DBH) of hardwood trees and autumn forb cover were inversely correlated with number of eggs laid. The numbers of eggs, hatchlings, and fledglings were similar between groups with and without helpers, though helpers tended to remain in higher quality habitat. Groups with helpers used foraging areas with greater basal area of pines (Pinus spp.) ≥25.4 cm DBH, conifer canopy cover, leaf litter cover, litter depth, autumn vine cover, and winter woody cover than groups without helpers. Our results suggested that foraging habitat recommendations should include understory conditions, although additional research is required to clarify the interrelationships between RCW reproduction, forest stand characteristics, and the arthropod community.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 82%

Relationships of red-cockaded woodpecker reproduction and foraging habitat characteristics in Arkansas and Louisiana

Butler

Tappe

2008

Eur J Wildl Res

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“…Sequential observations were at least 15 min apart to minimize interdependence of subsequent observations (Hejl et al, 1990). Porter et al (1985) reported that a 15-min interval between sequential observations of the same red-cockaded woodpecker was sufficient to consider the observations independent. Birds were observed from the time of leaving the roost cavity in the morning until, if possible, they returned to their cavities at night.…”

Section: Red-cockaded Woodpecker Observationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implications of home-range estimation in the management of red-cockaded woodpeckers in South Carolina

Franzreb

2006

Forest Ecology and Management

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I undertook a behavioral study to determine red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) home-range size at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA. In this location, because much of the timber was harvested in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the available habitat largely consisted of younger trees (e.g., less than 45 years old), not generally considered prime habitat for this species. From 1992 to 1995, I observed seven groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers to determine year-round home-range size. Most of the previous home-range studies on this species used the minimum convex polygon approach to estimate the size of the home range. I compared the minimum convex polygon and fixed kernel home-range estimation methods for each group. I found that the fixed kernel method gave consistently smaller estimates of home range than did the minimum convex polygon, a result directly related to the methodologies of the techniques. Mean home-range sizes for the 95% level were 56.9 f 5.2 S.E. ha with the fixed kernel versus 91.9 & 11.7 S.E. ha with the minimum convex polygon. Core area (50%) means were 4.5 f 0.5 S.E. ha for the fixed kernel versus 16.7 f 2.4 S.E. ha with the minimum convex polygon. It is recommended that future home-range studies use the fixed kernel estimator rather than the minimum convex polygon as it gives a more realistic and appropriate depiction of the area actually used by the birds within a given group. In estimating the number of groups that may be accommodated in a particular area, the mean home-range size as well as its shape need to be considered. Home-range size estimates at the Savannah River Site were similar to those obtained elsewhere in the species' range. Red-cockaded woodpeckers, in spite of the prevalence of relatively young forest structure, did not increase their home-range size to compensate for the paucity of older, more mature pine habitat. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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“…At least 15 min separated sequential observations of the same individual to minimize inter-dependence of subsequent observations (Hejl et al 1990). Porter et al (1985) reported that a 15-min interval between sequential observations was sufficient for independence for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. I accounted for possible correlation among observations of the same individual instead of relying on the informal 15 min rule.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Male/Female Foraging Differences in Young Forest Stands

Franzreb¹

2010

The Wilson Journal of Ornithology

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Foraging Behavior of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers: An Evaluation of Research Methodologies

Cited by 8 publications

References 6 publications

Relationships of red-cockaded woodpecker reproduction and foraging habitat characteristics in Arkansas and Louisiana

Relationships of red-cockaded woodpecker reproduction and foraging habitat characteristics in Arkansas and Louisiana

Implications of home-range estimation in the management of red-cockaded woodpeckers in South Carolina

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Male/Female Foraging Differences in Young Forest Stands

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