The red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is an endangered species of woodpecker found only in the southeastern United States. This unique bird has very specific habitat requirements and its range has declined significantly in modern times. However, conservation efforts are underway to help protect existing populations and restore the red-cockaded woodpecker to parts of its historic range.
Quick Facts
Here are some key facts about the red-cockaded woodpecker:
- Scientific name: Picoides borealis
- Conservation status: Endangered
- Historic range: Open pine forests across the southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida to Virginia
- Current range: Isolated populations in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia
- Estimated population: Around 4,000 groups with approximately 14,000 individuals
- Key habitat requirements: Mature pine forests and pine savannas maintained with frequent fire; cavity trees (live pines infected with red-heart fungus that create nesting and roosting cavities)
- Diet: Mainly insects such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, ants
- Identifying features: Red streak behind each eye on an otherwise mostly black and white body; males have a small red crest
Historic Range and Decline
The red-cockaded woodpecker was once common across the southeastern United States in open pine ecosystems maintained by frequent fires. Its historic range stretched from Texas east to Florida and north up the Atlantic coast to southeastern Virginia. This range encompassed longleaf pine forests, loblolly and shortleaf pine forests, pine savannas, and other open, pine-dominated habitats across the southeast.
However, widespread logging and fire suppression over the past two centuries led to the loss and fragmentation of the red-cockaded woodpecker’s pine forest habitat. The savannas and open pine forests the species depended on were replaced by dense hardwood forests and pine plantations that lacked the specific habitat features required by the red-cockaded woodpecker. As its habitat declined, so did the woodpecker’s population.
The species was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1970. At that point, there were only around 1,500 groups estimated to remain. Intensive conservation efforts since then have helped stabilized populations and increased numbers to around 4,000 groups today.
Current Range and Populations
Red-cockaded woodpeckers are found today in eleven states across the southeastern U.S. Here is a more detailed look at their current range and population densities:
Texas
Texas supports the largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers, with an estimated 1,206 groups found primarily in the eastern part of the state. Most of the Texas population occurs on federal and state lands such as the Angelina, Davy Crockett and Sabine National Forests. Private timberlands also harbor populations. Conservation efforts by state and federal agencies and private landowners have helped increase Texas’s red-cockaded woodpecker population.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has around 206 groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers. They are found in the southeastern part of the state in McCurtain County and in the Ouachita Mountains.
Arkansas
The woodpecker is present in 13 counties in southern and western Arkansas, with a population around 206 groups. Most are found in the Ouachita Mountains on the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Some populations occur on private timberlands managed via agreements with state and federal agencies.
Louisiana
Around 500 groups remain in Louisiana, primarily on the Kisatchie National Forest which has the second largest red-cockaded woodpecker population. Additional populations are scattered on other public and private lands.
Mississippi
Red-cockaded woodpeckers inhabit parts of central and southern Mississippi, with an estimated 121 groups statewide. Most occur on National Forest lands like the De Soto National Forest and Camp Shelby. The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge also supports a population.
Alabama
Alabama is home to about 345 groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers. They are found in the southern half of the state, including on the Conecuh National Forest which has the third largest population.
Georgia
Georgia has around 573 groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers. The largest Georgia populations occur on federal lands like the Oconee National Forest and Fort Stewart Military Reservation. Additional populations are found on private timber company lands that are cooperatively managed for the species.
Florida
Most of Florida’s approximately 497 groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers are found in the northern part of the state. Large populations inhabit the Eglin Air Force Base and Blackwater River State Forest. The species also occurs on other federal, state, and private pine lands under cooperative management.
South Carolina
South Carolina is a stronghold for the species, with an estimated 1,135 groups. Major populations are found on the Francis Marion National Forest, other federal lands, state forests, and private timber company properties managed under voluntary Safe Harbor agreements.
North Carolina
North Carolina supports around 1,063 groups, making it one of the most important states for the species. The majority are found on federal lands, including large populations on the Sandhills Game Land, Camp Lejeune Marine Base, and Croatan National Forest. The state also has many groups on private lands.
Virginia
Virginia has only a small remnant population of around 24 groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers. They occur primarily on the Piney Grove Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and a few other scattered sites.
Habitat Requirements
The red-cockaded woodpecker has very specific habitat needs that have contributed to its decline. The species is found in open, mature pine ecosystems and is specifically adapted to fire-maintained southern pine forests. Red-cockaded woodpeckers prefer older pines 80-100+ years old and will excavate cavities in living pine trees infected with red heart fungus. Specific habitat components needed include:
- Mature pines: Old-growth pines, especially longleaf, loblolly, shortleaf and pond pines, are needed for cavity trees. Dense stands of older pines are preferred.
- Open understory: An open, park-like pine forest maintained by frequent fire is ideal, with little midstory, shrubbery or undergrowth.
- Pine savanna: More open pine savannas and woodlands with a grassy ground layer are also prime habitat.
- Frequent fire: Fire every 3-5 years is needed to maintain an open structure by reducing hardwoods and underbrush.
- Cavity trees: Living pines infected with red heart fungus that are excavated for nesting and roosting cavities.
- Foraging trees: Some mature pines, dead pines, and dead branches are required for foraging on pine bark beetles.
This type of habitat has become rare, leading to the woodpecker’s decline. Fire suppression has allowed the open pine forests favored by red-cockaded woodpeckers to become overgrown with too many young pines, hardwood trees, and dense undergrowth. Logging has also depleted stands of old-growth pine trees needed for nesting. Conservation efforts focus on preserving, restoring and managing remaining stands of mature pine forest to support red-cockaded woodpecker groups.
Behavior and Biology
The red-cockaded woodpecker has a number of behavioral, social and physical adaptations to its pine forest habitat. Here is a look at some of the unique traits and behaviors of this species:
- Cavity excavation: Clans cooperatively excavate cavity nests and roost holes in living pine trees infected with red heart fungus which softens the wood. Cavities can take over a year to complete.
- Cooperative breeding: Red-cockaded woodpeckers live in family groups that share a territory and work together to raise young each year. Groups consist of a breeding pair and several helpers.
- Sap flow: Resin is summoned from cavity pines as a defense against predators and competitors. The sap deters snakes and makes excavating the cavity difficult.
- Nocturnal roosting: All group members roost together in the cavities at night.
- Territoriality: Each group defends a territory around its cavity trees against other woodpeckers.
- Insect diet: Feeds primarily on beetles, ants, roaches, caterpillars and other insects excavated from pine trees and branches.
- Cavity reuse: Cavities may be used for over a decade and passed down through generations.
- Prescribed burning: Benefits from frequent prescribed burns which help maintain open habitat.
Understanding the behaviors and adaptations of the red-cockaded woodpecker is key for managing its habitat effectively and successfully recovering the species.
Conservation Status and Efforts
The red-cockaded woodpecker was federally listed as endangered in 1970 due to population declines caused by habitat loss. At the time, the species was estimated to have fewer than 1,500 potential breeding groups remaining. Intensive conservation and recovery efforts since then have helped stabilize populations. While still endangered, the red-cockaded woodpecker has rebounded to approximately 4,000 groups across its range as a result of ongoing conservation measures.
Endangered Species Act Protections
The red-cockaded woodpecker receives protection under the Endangered Species Act which makes it illegal to harm, harass, or kill the birds, nests, eggs, or habitat. The ESA also requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to designate critical habitat and develop a recovery plan for the species. Landowners with red-cockaded woodpeckers on their property are encouraged to work cooperatively with the USFWS to manage the habitat appropriately.
Habitat Conservation
Conservation efforts for the red-cockaded woodpecker focus heavily on preserving, restoring, and properly managing mature pine forest habitat. Strategies include:
- Protection of existing woodpecker populations on public and private lands
- Allowing frequent prescribed burns to maintain open pine forests
- Forest thinning to mimic natural fire disturbance
- Planting longleaf pines to restore native habitat
- Installing artificial cavities where natural cavities are lacking
- Translocating woodpeckers to establish new populations in suitable habitat
Federal, state, and private land managers work cooperatively to implement these habitat management strategies and monitor their effectiveness.
Safe Harbor Agreements
Many private landowners have red-cockaded woodpeckers on their forestlands. To encourage voluntary conservation participation, the USFWS offers Safe Harbor Agreements that allow landowners to manage habitat for the birds without incurring additional regulatory responsibilities.
Population Monitoring
Scientists regularly monitor red-cockaded woodpecker populations across their range to track the success of recovery efforts. Cavity tree clusters are surveyed to count groups and determine reproductive rates. The goal is to document a sustained increase in populations.
Reintroduction Efforts
Red-cockaded woodpeckers are being reintroduced to parts of their historic range where habitat is again suitable, such as the Ozarks and Ohio Valley. Artificial cavity construction and translocation of wild woodpeckers have successfully established small populations in areas they were extirpated from.
Challenges to Recovery
While conservation efforts have made progress, the red-cockaded woodpecker still faces a number of threats and challenges to full recovery. These include:
- Habitat loss: Continued pine forest habitat loss and degradation from urbanization, timber harvest, agriculture, and succession to hardwood forest types.
- Insufficient fire: Lack of fire allowing the open pine forests preferred by the woodpecker to become overgrown and unsuitable.
- Climate change: Projected impacts include increased drought stress for pines, more severe storms, and habitat shifts that may affect pine forests.
- Small populations: Many remaining populations are small and isolated, making them vulnerable to extirpation.
- Cavity competition: Competition for cavities from other birds and squirrels.
- Predators: Increased predation related to habitat fragmentation and loss of pine canopy around cavities.
Targeted management actions will be needed to counteract these threats and support the recovery of the red-cockaded woodpecker across its range.
Conclusion
In summary, the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is found today in small, isolated populations in eleven southern states from Texas to Virginia. It inhabits open, mature pine forests and pine savannas that require frequent fire to maintain. Specific habitat needs and behaviors make the species highly adapted to these fire-dependent pine ecosystems. After suffering significant population declines due to habitat loss, the red-cockaded woodpecker is benefitting from ongoing conservation efforts by government agencies, landowners, scientists, and environmental organizations to protect, restore, and manage remaining suitable habitat. Continued intensive management will be required to support the recovery of this unique species and restore self-sustaining populations.
