Woodpecker nesting habitat in cut and uncut woodlands in Virginia

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Conner, Richard N.; Hooper, Robert G.; Crawford, Hewlette S.; Mosby, Henry S.

Source:

Journal of Wildlife Management, The Wildlife Society, Volume 39, Issue 1, p.144-150 (1975)

Call Number:

A75CON01IDUS

Keywords:

Colaptes auratus, Common Flicker, Dendrocopos pubescens, Dendrocopos villosus, Downy Woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker

Abstract:

In forest areas common flickers (Colaptes auratus) nested only in dead snags in 1- to 12-year-old clearcuts. Pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) nested in mature, dense stands with high basal area, and downy woodpeckers (Dendrocopos pubescens) nested in sparsely stocked stands with lower basal area. The hairy woodpecker (D. villosus) nested in stands intermediate to and overlapping the habitats selected by the pileated and downy woodpeckers. All nest cavities of the four species of woodpeckers were excavated in decayed wood of trees infected by fungal heart rots. Timber management may be detrimental to woodpeckers if all decayed trees are removed. Uncut filter strips along streams and roads appear to be of value as woodpecker nesting habitat.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Birds; ANIMAL EF: BIRDS

Full Citation: Conner, R. N., R. G. Hooper, H. S. Crawford, and H. S. Mosby. 1975. Woodpecker nesting habitat in cut and uncut woodlands in Virginia. Journal of Wildlife Management 39(1): 144-150.