Habitat Use and Management of Pileated Woodpeckers in Northeastern Oregon

Abstract

We determined home range size and habitats used by pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) to provide essential information for proper management of the species in northeastern Oregon. Twenty-three pileated woodpeckers fitted with transmitters were followed for 5-10 months (Jun-Mar) during 1989-90. Mated pairs (n = 7) ranged over smaller areas (x = 407 ha) than birds (x = 597 ha) whose mates had died (n = 9). Habitat use within home ranges was not random. Stands with old growth, grand fir (Abies grandis), no logging, and ≥60% canopy closure were used more (P < 0.01) than expected, and all other types of stands were used less than expected. From june until March, 38% of the observations of foraging were on downed logs, 38% on dead trees, 18 on live trees, and 6% on stumps