Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Foraging Behavior in Relation to Midstory Vegetation

Abstract

Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (P&ides borealis) nest and forage in pine-dominated forests. Research indicates that substantial hardwood midstory encroachment is detrimental to Red-cockaded Woodpecker populations, although the exact mechanisms are unknown. We examined foraging behavior in relation to midstory between August 1989 and February 1990. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers foraged at greater heights in areas of taller and denser midstory in the loblolly-shortleaf pine (Pirzus rueda and P. echimra, respectively) habitat, but not in longleaf pine (P. palustris) habitat with less-developed midstory vegetation than typical of loblolly-shortleaf pine habitat. In addition, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers concentrated foraging activities in or adjacent to forest stands or openings with reduced midstory vegetation. Overall, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers foraged disproportionately at heights and sites that minimized their exposure to dense midstory conditions. These results suggest that ecosystem management, preferably using prescribed fire, that reduces midstory vegetation will improve foraging habitat for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

Sylvopastoral management and conservation of the middle spotted woodpecker at the south-western edge of its distribution range

“…We also estimated the density of small oaks (dbh < 10 cm and at least 1.5 m high) because dense hardwood midstory has been shown to have a negative influence on habitat use of other woodpecker species (e.g. Conner et al, 1999;Rudolph et al, 2002). This was done by counting its number in four 2 m  2 m squares 5 m from the centre of each plot on each cardinal axis.…”

“…We recorded the species, diameter (dbh, measured at 1.3 m from the ground), condition (alive or dead) and height of each tree used, and the condition of the foraging substrate (alive or dead). In order to reduce dependence between observations only one observation per tree and those distanced at least 10 min were considered (Rudolph et al, 2002). We collected information in 10 breeding territories, 5 in dehesas and 5 in mature forests, with a total of 160 trees (10-24 trees per territory).…”

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Microhabitat Characteristics and Reproductive Success in a Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Forest

“…Few studies have quantitatively examined RCW microhabitat selection and reproductive success within fragmented loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pine ecosystems [2,3]. Previous research focused on longleaf pine (P. palustris) monocultures or private timber industry lands [4][5][6].…”

“…Although numerous studies examined RCW microhabitat use, few examined the relationship between reproductive success and microhabitat characteristics [2,3,8,9]. The few studies that attempted to determine a causal relationship between RCW reproductive success and microhabitat characteristics produced conflicting results.…”

“…In Texas, RCWs had lower partial brood loss in clusters where hardwood midstory was minimal [3]. RCW foraging behavior also exhibited a preference for habitat with less hardwood midstory [2].…”