The Red-cockaded Woodpecker

This species is found all over the state of North Carolina, but only in the open pine forests existing there. This is where these birds make their home. Specifically, they only live in pines at least sixty years old and/or with the redheart disease. These two factors soften the wood enough for woodpeckers to make cavities inside for their nests and to find food.

More About its Endangerment

Unfortunately, these woodpeckers are endangered because of forestry operations that have resulted in the widespread cutting of old growth timber, the only trees that can house the birds. They require mature, living pines that have existed for at least sixty years for nesting, and a limited habitat has caused their population to decline. Fortunately, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recovery and management programs in place that have once again grown the population to exist in eleven states. There are managment plans for federal and state agencies, and over forty percent of these birds found on private land benefits from management approved by agreements in accordance with the Endangered Species Act. There is also a longlife pine ecosystem plan to help preserve and maintain pine forests that the woodpeckers depend on.

or Picoides borealis

Region Found

www.wildfiredepartment.com/wildlifemgmt/endangered/red_cockaded.htmwww.fws.com/rcwrecovery/www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-cockaded_Woodpecker/lifehistory

The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

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