Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Ornithology Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Zoology

Olivet Nazarene University

Season

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Ornithology

The Role Of Endangered Oak (Quercus Spp.) Savanna Characteristics In Supporting Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes Erythrocephalus L.) Populations, Kimberly J. Zralka May 2019

The Role Of Endangered Oak (Quercus Spp.) Savanna Characteristics In Supporting Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes Erythrocephalus L.) Populations, Kimberly J. Zralka

Honors Program Projects

Declines in animal populations worldwide are of critical conservation concern. However, without an understanding of optimal habitat preference, it is often difficult to determine what factors are driving these losses. Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus L.) populations have declined by over 70% in the last 50 years, yet in some areas the birds seem to maintain stable populations. The aim of this study was to empirically test the effects of various habitat factors on red-headed woodpecker presence and abundance in both the summer and winter seasons. As oak acorns are a critical food source for this bird, we were particularly …