Space use by white-headed woodpeckers and selection for recent forest disturbances

摘要: White-headed woodpeckers (Picoides albolarvatus) are important cavity excavators that recently have become the focus of much research because concerns over population declines. Past studies focused on nest site selection and survival but information is needed factors influencing their space use when away from nest. We examined by white-headed during nesting (May–Jul) post-nesting (Jul–Oct) periods compared role environmental (e.g., landcover) socio-demographic age, breeding success) in home range size location. Average 99% kernel ranges was 125 ha (SD ± 59 ha; n = 19) period 137 ha (SD ± 70 ha; n = 30) period. Minimum convex polygons were generally comparable to or smaller than reported previous radio-telemetry with this species. Although bird weight age best explained variation other factors, neither parameter estimate significant our models. Thus, even though most-supported analysis, largely influenced we did not measure. found most selected within forest patches had undergone a recent disturbance; these areas included forests been burned prescribed fire United States Forest Service (82%) subject disease (16%). Most study small (approx. 4.8 ha) occurred otherwise live nearly complete mortality adult trees. suggest disturbances, especially mixed-severity burns, may they created snags for future should explore hypothesis. Because variable linked productivity, it be used as an indication habitat quality without more detailed causal affect Published 2015. This article U.S. Government work public domain USA.