Red-cockaded woodpecker


Picoides borealis

Endangered

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The group shares the responsibilities of feeding and protecting the young. Nesting in cavities of pines, the adults keep the sap flowing as protection from snakes and other predators.

USFWS photo

Range

The red-cockaded woodpecker is one species that is commonly referred to by forest advocates and endangered species groups. It's famous because, akin to the spotted owl of the northwest old-growth forests, the red-cockaded woodpecker is found in the southeastern old-growth pine forests.

The black, white and red woodpecker is about 7-8 inches long and feeds primarily on insects such as ants, beetles, and wood-boring insects. They are unusual in their nesting habits. Often, in addition to the parents, three or more male individuals from previous generations help in raising the young.

Forest Dependence

The red-cockaded woodpecker is extremely dependent on old-growth forests. It's range is limited to the southern pine forests, and open stands of pine with 80-120 year old trees are heavily preferred for nesting habitat. The woodpeckers avoid dense stands, but can forage in pine stands 30 years old or older.

Decline in red-cockaded woodpeckers is attributed in large part to loss of habitat. The new dense stands of pine that have replaced the old-growth are uninhabitable for the woodpeckers, and old open stands are prevented by fire suppression along with other factors.