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Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. Original by David Jenkins Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July 2004. Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis. Introduction. Red Cockaded Woodpecker
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Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Original by David Jenkins Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office July 2004
Introduction • Red Cockaded Woodpecker • The red cockaded woodpecker is an endangered bird that thrives in old growth pine stands in the southeastern united states. • It entered the endangered species list in 1970.
Introduction • It has become endangered primarily due to habitat loss. • Historically its range extended from Florida to New Jersey and as far west as Texas and Oklahoma.
Habitat • The red-cockaded woodpecker makes its home in mature southern pine forest, preferably longleaf pines (Pinus palustris).
Habitat • They have a fairly open under story free of hardwoods. • Historically this was controlled by wildfires set by Indians. • Now land owners use prescribed fires.
Habitat • The trees must be living. • The average age of the trees are 80 to 150 years old.
Habitat • The tree must also have a fungus called Red Heart Disease. • This causes the heartwood to become soft. • Cavities take 1 to 3 years to excavate.
Habitat Destruction • From the late 1800’s to the mid 1900’s mature pine forest began to disappear due to logging.
Habitat Restoration • Most of the forestlands that are large enough to provide habitat are on federal lands. • The U.S. Forest Service and Department of Defense have developed special management guidelines for woodpecker habitat.
Habitat Restoration • Industry has also made conservation agreements by setting aside woodpecker habitat. • Small landowners are also helping out by setting aside land and using proper management techniques.
Habitat Restoration • Many management plans include cavity management. • This includes removal of squirrels or other birds. • This increases habitat for the Red Cockaded Woodpecker.
Habitat Restoration • Some management plans include artificial cavities. • Beginning of the cavity.
Habitat Restoration • Clean Cavity • Fitting of the cover
Habitat Restoration • Using epoxy • Making it blend • Painting stripes to give the effect of sap.
Description • White post ocular spot. • Bold white cheeks. • White under parts. • Black rump.
Description • Black tail has white outer tail feathers barred with black. • Adult male has a red spot at rear margin of white face and is rarely visible.
Description • Approximately 7 inches long. • Wingspan about 15 inches • Its back is barred with black and white horizontal stripes. • Black cap and nape
Nesting • Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers nest in clusters. • They have 1 to 20 or more cavity trees on 3 to 60 acres. (Avg. 10 acres) • An active cavity has resin well that exude sap. This is a protective barrier from snakes, rats, and other possible predators.
Nesting • A typical territory for a group ranges from about 125 to 200 acres, but can be as low as 60 acres. • The size of the territory is related to habitat stability and population density.
Reproduction • Red Cockaded Woodpeckers are territorial cooperative breeders. • They keep the same mate for several years and sometimes for their lifespan.
Reproduction • Nesting season lasts from April through June. • Three to four eggs are laid. • Group members help incubate the eggs for 10 to 12 days.
Reproduction • Once hatched, the nestlings stay in the cavity for about 26 days. • The young often remain with the parent forming groups of three to four. • Only one pair breeds within a group.
Population Levels • It is estimated that there are 4,500 family units or groups of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers. • It is estimated that there are 10,000 to 14,000 individuals in existence.
Range • The Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers range. • Historically, they extended from Florida to New Jersey, as far west as Texas and Oklahoma and as far inland as Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. • Now they Range from Florida to Virginia and west to Oklahoma and east Texas which is about 1% of the original range.
Diet • Primary • Beetles, Spiders, Roaches, Grasshoppers, Caterpillars, Wood-boring Insects • Lesser Quantities • Seeds, Fruits
Primary Predator • Rat Snake • They climb the tree and eat the eggs or nestlings. • The woodpecker protects itself by chipping small holes in the tree causing the sap to ooze out. • This inhibits the movement of the snakes scales, preventing it from climbing higher.
The Red Cockaded Woodpeckers Role • Abandoned cavities are used by smaller birds such as Chickadees, Blue birds, or other Woodpeckers. • Sometimes larger wood peckers such as Pileated take over the cavity enlarging it. This makes it accessible to Owls, Squirrels, Wood ducks, and Raccoons.
Conclusion The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a vital organism in its habitat. Federally funded programs should remain in place to maintain, if not increase population numbers. This is a very unique bird and should be preserved for future generations.
References • http://rcwrecovery.fws.gov/rcw.html • http://texas-extension.tamu.edu • http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/5960/recockade.html • http://birding.abrut.com/library/weekly/aa01230a.htm • http://www.jonesctr.org/conservation/monitoring_mapping/rcw_restoration_onichauway.htm
