Species using red-cockaded woodpecker cavities in eastern Texas

Abstract

Because of its ability to excavate cavities in living pines, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is a keystone species in the fire-disclimax, pine ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Many species representing multiple taxonomic classes are dependent on this woodpecker species for the cavities it creates. We examined the occupants of Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavities during spring, late summer, and winter. Cavities enlarged by other species of woodpeckers and unenlarged cavities were examined in two habitat conditions: loblolly (Pinus taeda)-shortleaf (P. echinata) pine and longleaf pine (P. palustris) habitats. Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavities provided cavity habitat for seven species of birds, two species of squirrels, skinks, frogs, spiders, moths, and numerous species of Hymenoptera.

Citation

Conner, Richard N.; Rudolph, D. Craig; Saenz, Daniel; Schaefer, Richard R. 1997. Species using red-cockaded woodpecker cavities in eastern Texas. Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society. 30(1): 12-16.