Red-cockaded Woodpecker foraging behavior in relation to midstory vegetation.: An article from: Wilson Bulletin

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From the author: Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides 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 (Pinus taeda and P. echinata, 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 prescribe d fire, that reduces midstory vegetation will improve foraging habitat for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

Citation Details
Title: Red-cockaded Woodpecker foraging behavior in relation to midstory vegetation.
Author: D. Craig Rudolph
Publication:Wilson Bulletin (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 2002
Publisher: Wilson Ornithological Society
Volume: 114 Issue: 2 Page: 235(8)

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