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

Abstract

Abstract:We investigated the relationship between red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) reproductive success and microhabitat characteristics in a southeastern loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pine forest. From 1997 to 1999, we recorded reproductive success parameters of 41 red-cockaded woodpecker groups at the Bienville National Forest, Mississippi. Microhabitat characteristics were measured for each group during the nesting season. Logistic regression identified understory vegetation height and small nesting season home range size as predictors of red-cockaded woodpecker nest attempts. Linear regression models identified several variables as predictors of red-cockaded woodpecker reproductive success including group density, reduced hardwood component, small nesting season home range size, and shorter foraging distances. Red-cockaded woodpecker reproductive success was correlated with habitat and behavioral characteristics that emphasize high quality habitat. By providing high quality foraging habitat during the nesting season, red-cockaded woodpeckers can successfully reproduce within small home ranges.

Red-cockaded woodpecker habitat characteristics associated with partial brood loss in the Upper East Gulf Coastal Plain, USA

“…if ≥ 1 egg lost), and the proportion of eggs lost. Our study and Wood et al (2014) found a similar negative relationship between RCW Dryobates borealis group density and egg loss. However, whereas other studies (McCormick et al 2003, Wood et al 2014) found a link between increased hardwood midstory and increased egg loss, we did not detect a relationship.…”

“…Our study and Wood et al (2014) found a similar negative relationship between RCW Dryobates borealis group density and egg loss. However, whereas other studies (McCormick et al 2003, Wood et al 2014) found a link between increased hardwood midstory and increased egg loss, we did not detect a relationship. Interestingly, we did not find other studies in the literature that estimated relationships between partial brood loss and burn season.…”

“…There is evidence from the literature that habitat quality influences partial brood loss. Wood et al (2014) found farthest foraging distance from the nest tree and large home range size, which is expected in areas with lower-quality habitat, were associated with greater egg loss, while higher cluster density, which is expected in areas with higher quality habitat, was associated with more eggs hatched (Wood et al 2014). If habitat quality influences rates of partial brood loss, it is important to determine what habitat features influence quality for a particular RCW population.…”

“…If the habitat around a cluster is poor quality, RCWs may travel greater distances during foraging, potentially leaving less time for incubation; Wood et al (2014) found a negative relationship between the maximum foraging distance of an RCW from its nest tree and the number of eggs that hatched. Franzreb (2010) also found that the number of fledglings per breeding pair was positively correlated with the number of pine stems ≥ 25.4 cm DBH within 800 m of the cluster core.…”

“…In a 2 m wide belt transect along the length of each understory transect, we measured stem density of woody plants in the midstory with a height ≥ 1 m but a DBH <10 cm (Addington et al 2015; Table 1). We measured woody midstory density because midstory stem density was negatively correlated with RCW clutch size in Wood et al (2014), and the recovery standard describes a sparse to non-existent hardwood midstory (USFWS 2003, Table S1 in Supplement 1).…”