Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Insert Modifications Improve Access to Artificial Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Next Cavities

Informally Refereed

Abstract

A designfor a modified, artificial Red-cockaded Woodpecker(Picoides borealis) cavity insert is presented. This modification allowed eggs and young to be inspected easily, removed, and replaced throughout the nesting period. Modifications to cavity inserts are best done before installation, but can be easily retrofitted in existing artificial cavities. On the basis of our success, we believe this modification offers several advantages over original artificial cavity designs: (1) eggs and young can be easily removed for measurement, banding, or other scientific purposes, (2) debris and nesting material from other cavity users can be easilyremoved,and (3) modifications caused no apparent changes in adult behavior. This modification should encourage additional Red-cockaded Woodpecker researchrequiting access to eggs and nestlings.

Citation

Edwards, John W.; Stevens, Ernest E.; Dachelet, Charles A. 1997. Insert Modifications Improve Access to Artificial Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Next Cavities. J. Field Ornithol. 68(2): 228-234
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/1219