Species Using Red-cockaded Woodpecker Cavities in Eastern Texas

Authors

Richard N. Conner
D. Craig Rudolph
Daniel Saenz
Richard R. Schaefer

Publication Date

6-1-1997

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.

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Recommended Citation

Conner, Richard N.; Rudolph, D. Craig; Saenz, Daniel; and Schaefer, Richard R. (1997) "Species Using Red-cockaded Woodpecker Cavities in Eastern Texas," Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society: Vol. 30: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tos_bulletin/vol30/iss1/4