Spanning the habitat gradient: Red-headed woodpecker nest-site selection in three distinct cover types

摘要: Abstract Understanding species habitat relationships is fundamental to ecology and underpins conservation-based management. Species with broad preferences wide geographic ranges are capable of fulfilling breeding requirements in different contexts. Habitat selection these may vary a context-specific way, so determining the factors driving requires spanning gradient. Complex landscapes offer unique opportunity compare across gradients within single study site. Here, we used comparative approach model scale-dependent nest-site red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) three distinct cover types at Fort A.P. Hill military installation, Virginia. We found that nest varied among for several patch-scale features. In closed forests, woodpeckers selected patches an open canopy characteristic lacked holly (Ilex opaca) understory contained large pines. high percentage were also avoided. wetlands, low percent stem preferred. variable, medium/large snag density, was highly influential models all patch scale, indicating importance suitable snags nesting, irrespective type. Models tree scale showed similar results types: consistently preferred less bark. Our demonstrate value comparing Managers charged promoting populations would do well manage large, partially decayed while considering needs.