Red-cockaded Woodpecker

 Yesterday I went to see the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers for the first time.  I had no idea that they were so close. It was just a 20 minute drive down the street and there they were. Thanks to Flo, a friend from Birder's World, I found the location easily, and found my first bird within 5 minutes.  For those of you who didn't know it, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are an endangered species. 

They live in old pine forests where they excavate cavities in old live pine trees as opposed to the dead ones that other woodpeckers live in.  This is for two reasons.  First, since the tree is alive, it will produce sap at the opening that the bird uses to protect it's nest from predators.  Secondly, the fact that it is old means that there is a chance that the tree has a fungal infection common in older pines called Red Heart Disease which makes the inner wood softer and easier to excavate.  I have read that it takes several years to produce one of these nests.  Notice the patches of areas that had been pecked at above the holes to produce the sap that surrounds the entrance.

Red-cockaded Woodpeckers live in extended families that include the parents and several immature male helper offspring who help to build nests, sit on eggs and raise the babies.  The females are sent out to start new families.   It is difficutl to tell the males from the females.  The males will show a small red streak on the side of its black cap in a way similar to the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.  I did not see it on any of the birds that I saw. 

1:09 PM - May 24, 2009 - post comment

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Thanks Dave,
When I lived in Texas I also visited the Red Cockaded Woodpeckers several times as they were not that far from North Houston. Was good to se old friends. I now live in Costa Rica. Have enjoyed some great birding here as well.

Fred Holt - 5:57 PM - August 23, 2009