![]() ![]() Some species, such as northern flickers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and red-headed woodpeckers are migratory. Some species, such as yellow-bellied sapsuckers, prefer to excavate cavities in live trees, while red-headed and pileated woodpeckers favor dead trees. Others, such as northern flickers, return to the same cavity annually. ![]() Some species, such as downy and hairy woodpeckers, excavate new cavities each year. Cavities may be chiseled into tree trunks, branches, or structures, or may be natural or pre-existing cavities. Both sexes may help excavate the nest cavity, and sleep in it throughout the year. Nest cavities are hollowed out areas below and perpendicular to the entrance. Woodpeckers nest in cavities in trees or structures. Consult a bird field guide for more information. The nestling period often lasts 18-30 days, depending on the species. Typical clutch size is 3 to 8 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately 11 to 12 days. Most species have one brood per year, but red-bellied woodpeckers may have up to 3 broods. General Biology, Reproduction,Ĭlutch size and other characteristics vary with species. Woodpeckers are not known to be a significant disease risk for humans or domestic animals. Northern flickers are light brown with black and white stripes on the back, yellow or red under-wing, with a black crescent on the breast, and a grey hood with a red crescent. Females are similar, but most lack red markings. Woodpeckers usually are 7 to 15 inches in length.Īdult males of most species have a pattern of black, white, and red. Each foot has two talons that face forward and two that face backward, enabling the birds to cling to trees and vertical wooden structures. The stiff tail feathers serve as a prop when climbing vertical surfaces. Woodpeckers have sharp pointed beaks for excavating holes into wood, and long tongues to dislodge insects. ![]() They are remarkable, intriguing animals to observe. Woodpeckers consume substantial numbers of insects, some of which are agricultural and forest pests. ![]() Yellow-bellied sapsuckers ( Sphyrapicus ruber) may cause resin wells and damage valuable ornamental trees, especially during fall migration. Red-bellied ( Melanerpes carolinus) and red-headed ( Melanerpes erythrocephalus) woodpeckers, and northern flickers ( Colaptes auratus) may be common in some areas, but are less often involved with damage situations.Īlthough woodpeckers become a nuisance in some situations, they provide valuable ecological services. Downy ( Picoides pubescens), hairy ( Picoides villosus), and pileated ( Dryocopus pileatus) woodpeckers are most often involved in damaging homes or other wooden, human-made structures in the northeast. Hazing woodpeckers does not require a permit. Sound justification must be present for the issuance of depredation permits. Authorization by the relevant state wildlife agency also may be required before lethal control methods are initiated. When warranted, woodpeckers can be killed, but only under a depredation permit issued by the Law Enforcement Division of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Legal StatusĪll species of woodpeckers are classified as migratory nongame birds and are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Female downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens). Their spring-time, territorial “drumming” on wooden or metal objects can be an annoyance to people during early morning. The weakened poles could snap in high winds. They may also cause economic losses to utility companies due to cavities in wooden power-line poles. Woodpeckers can damage wood siding and soffits on structures.
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