Bird
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Leuconotopicus borealisRed-cockaded Woodpeckers are small black-and-white barred birds with large white cheek patches and black caps. Males have a tiny red mark at the side of the cap that is usually hidden, and family groups excavate cavities in living mature pines.
woodpeckerpine specialistcooperative breeder
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAnts, wood-boring beetles, caterpillars
Predators
- rat snakes
- hawks
- bobcats
ThreatsLoss and fragmentation of old pines, fire suppression, severe storms, and cavity competition
HabitatsOpen mature pine woodland and frequently burned longleaf pine savanna
Life spanOften five to ten years, with some banded birds living beyond fifteen years
Classification
- OrderPiciformes
- FamilyPicidae
- GenusLeuconotopicus
- SpeciesLeuconotopicus borealis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Do not approach marked cavity trees or use playback around active family groups.
- What to notice
- A broad white cheek, black cap and neck stripe, barred back, and resin-marked pine cavity support identification.
- Support conservation
- Remain at least 200 feet from cavity trees, use no playback, follow posted buffers, and conceal precise cavity locations.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for a broad white cheek enclosed by a black cap and neck stripe.
- Observe: Use distant optics and remain outside any posted cavity-tree buffer.
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