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 tire-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: 1oblolly (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.