The red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) is a medium-sized woodpecker native to North America. With their striking red heads, black and white bodies, and loud calls, these birds are a distinctive sight in the forests and woodlands where they live. However, in recent decades, red-headed woodpecker populations have declined significantly across much of their range. This has led many to wonder – is the red-headed woodpecker endangered?
Red-headed Woodpecker Population Trends
According to the most recent data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey, red-headed woodpecker populations declined by an estimated 2.35% per year between 1966 and 2015. This represents a cumulative decline of 70% over five decades. The species has disappeared from significant portions of its historical range, especially in northeastern North America. Today, stable or increasing populations are confined to limited parts of the Great Plains, Upper Midwest, and Southeast.
Researchers have identified several factors that likely contribute to the decline of the red-headed woodpecker:
- Habitat loss – The clearing of dead trees, tree cavities, and mature forests reduces nesting and foraging sites.
- Increased competition – The number of European starlings, which compete with woodpeckers for nest sites, has risen significantly.
- Pesticides – These chemicals reduce insect prey abundance and may accumulate in woodpeckers.
- Vehicle collisions – Woodpeckers are vulnerable while feeding on roadside ground insects.
While substantial and concerning, the species’ population trajectory does not automatically qualify it as endangered from a legal standpoint. Further analysis of its status is required.
Criteria for Endangered Species Listing
In the United States, animals and plants may be listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) only if they meet certain specified criteria. The key considerations are:
- The extent of species’ range – Is its range contracting and how depleted are populations across the range?
- The degree of population decline – How severe and sustained is the decrease in numbers?
- Other demographic factors – What is the reproductive rate? Are populations becoming fragmented?
- Quantitative modeling – Do population viability analyses indicate a high extinction risk?
Listed species then receive legal protections from harm and habitat destruction, as well as proactive recovery efforts. The ESA is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Red-headed Woodpecker ESA Listing Status
The red-headed woodpecker is not currently listed as endangered or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. However, its status is under ongoing review by the FWS:
- 1982 – The woodpecker was designated as a candidate species, with listing potentially warranted.
- 2004 – After further review, the FWS found ESA protections unwarranted and removed the candidate designation.
- 2014 – The species was petitioned for ESA listing by conservation groups.
- 2021 – FWS announced a new 12-month review would occur to reassess status.
This review process is now underway. The FWS will analyze the five ESA listing factors for the red-headed woodpecker, including: habitat destruction, overutilization, disease/predation, regulatory protections, and other natural or manmade factors. A decision on whether listing is warranted is due in October 2023.
State-Level Protections
In addition to federal ESA protections, states can also enact their own endangered species legislation. Red-headed woodpecker state listing status includes:
| State | Listing Status |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Threatened |
| Michigan | Species of Concern |
| Minnesota | Species of Concern |
| New York | Endangered |
These state-level designations offer some additional protections from harm and habitat loss. However, protections are generally less stringent than those under the federal ESA.
Other Conservation Actions
Beyond legal protections, a combination of conservation initiatives also aim to aid red-headed woodpecker recovery:
- Public land habitat management – Some state and federal public lands are implementing forest management practices to improve woodpecker nesting and foraging areas.
- Nest box programs – The installation of nest boxes helps provide additional cavity nest sites.
- Research studies – Ongoing studies are examining topics like migration patterns, nest site competition, and genetic diversity to inform conservation strategies.
- Outreach and education – Programs aim to inform private landowners on managing land to benefit woodpeckers.
Conclusion
In summary, the red-headed woodpecker has experienced concerning population declines and disappearances from substantial portions of its historical range. However, the species is not currently listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, with a new review of its status now underway. Some state-level protections exist. Conservation efforts beyond legal protections are also working to aid woodpecker recovery through habitat management, nest boxes, research studies, and outreach programs. Only time will tell if these efforts are enough to stabilize and restore red-headed woodpecker populations.
