Seasonal changes in habitat selection by a strict forest specialist, the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Leiopicus medius), at its southwestern boundary: implications for conservation

Abstract

The Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Leiopicus medius) is a strict forest bird whose habitat preferences during the breeding season are well known. However, a lack of information about its habitat selection during the non-breeding season may hamper recommendations for the management and conservation of the species. Here we study habitat selection of this woodpecker at its southwestern boundary range (Izki Natural Park, northern Spain) during the non-breeding season (October–December) by means of a use–availability approach. We also examined seasonal differences in habitat use between the breeding season (April–May) and the non-breeding season. Results of ANOVA and backward-stepwise logistic regression revealed a clear selection of high forest cover, large Pyrenean oaks (Quercus pyrenaica), and presence of dead trees during the non-breeding season. Despite very similar habitat use in both seasons, minor but interesting differences between seasons were observed, with a potential expansion during the non-breeding season into less mature forests (lower forest cover and fewer large trees) with a greater abundance of dead trees. These differences may reflect seasonal changes in the spatial requirements of the species and a decrease in food abundance during autumn–winter. On the basis of these findings, we propose management measures to improve the conservation status of the species in the Iberian Peninsula.