Reports
Decatur High School
Red Cockaded Woodpecker
| Common Name: Red Woodpecker Scientific Name: Picoides borealis Animal's Status: Biologists believe that foraging stands of fairly large pines are necessary for successful management for the woodpecker. Family: Birds What is the animal's habitat? Red-cockaded woodpeckers are found in southern mature pine forests with open understory. The RCW does show some preference for mature longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) stands. At present, 85% of the Fort Benning RCW population live in the cavities of loblolly pines; a softer pine, with shorter life span. Where is the animal's habitat? Southeastern U.S. Animal's description: Red-cockaded woodpeckers have black and white bars on the back, black flecked flanks and black bars on the white outer tail feathers. The adult male has small red patches on each side of its head, but may be concealed beneath black plumage. A small (7-8 inches in length) black and white woodpecker, with no visible red. It can be distinguished from other black and white woodpeckers by its large white cheek patch zebra striped or ladder back. Number known to exist: Fewer than 10,000 Food: Mites, insects, and larvae. How is food brought in? They feed by prying off the loose bark and feeding on the mites, insects, and larvae underneath the rather than drilling into dead trees like other woodpeckers. Reproduction: Red-cockaded woodpeckers build their nests in live pine trees and raise their young in family groups of 2 to 9 birds. Non-breeding birds (usually male offspring) assist the breeding pair with incubation, brooding, and feeding of the young. What threatens the life of the animal? Logging or other activity near the den trees during the breeding or brood rearing season may disturb them enough to cause them to abandon the site or to be unsuccessful in rising the young. What kind of protection is made for them? The U.S Fish and Wild Service and any of other listed sources in this manual can advise on management when red-cockadeds are present. |
Dutch |
Written by: Ana Carlos |
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Copyright 1997, 2001 - Joan Goble and René de Vries
