White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos Leucotos Research Articles

Distribution of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi in the southern Pyrenees

We have compiled the information available for the White-Backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi) on the south-facing slopes of the Pyrenees since its detection in 1968 until 2016 and we have added the results of specific censuses carried out between 2017 and 2021 and the results of the GPS marking of reproductive specimens, both within the known range, as in other beech forests beyond its borders. An expansion towards the West and North has been verified. The nests are always located in F. sylvatica, except in the extreme western territories where they use Q. rubra too. The breeders in the traditional range are always individuals of more than two years old (euring 6), although a number of breeding juveniles have appeared in the extreme west (euring 5). Beech occupies more than 70% of the surface of all the territories, but this percentage is significantly lower in the newly detected territories than in those within the traditional distribution area. These latest results suggest that the expansion process is relatively recent and that it may still be in progress. The role of forest management in efforts to enable the expansion of this species to other beech forests in which it has not yet been detected is discussed.

Single dead trees matter: Small-scale canopy gaps increase the species richness, diversity and abundance of birds breeding in a temperate deciduous forest

Canopy gaps produced by natural disturbances are an important source of structural and functional heterogeneity within forest ecosystems. However, the effect of natural, small-scale canopy gaps, caused by the mortality of a single tree or a group of trees, on bird assemblages has not been adequately addressed in temperate deciduous forests. We studied the effects of small-scale canopy gaps on the breeding birds of old-growth deciduous forests in the Carpathians (SE Poland). Our hypothesis was that such small gaps and the adjacent closed-canopy forest would differ in bird richness, diversity and relative abundance. Breeding bird assemblages were surveyed using point counts in 30 canopy gaps (mean area 301 m2 ± 228 SD, range: 37–970 m2) and in 30 control plots situated in the adjacent closed-canopy forest. The species richness, diversity and relative abundance of birds were significantly higher in the gaps than in the control plots and were correlated with the number of large snags. Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis and White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos occurred more frequently in the gaps than in the control plots. Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris, Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, Song Thrush Turdus philomelos and Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea were more abundant in the gaps than in the control plots. The species richness of cavity- and ground-nesters was higher and these birds were more abundant in the gaps than in the control plots. The presence/absence of a gap and the number of large snags recorded in it explained 35.4% and 52.7% of the deviance in the total number of species and the total number of individual birds, respectively. Our results indicate that even small-scale canopy gaps, in combination with the large snags recorded in them resulting from the death of a single tree or group of trees, affect bird assemblages in deciduous forests as measured by the occurrence or abundance of individual species or community indices. We suggest that treefall gaps, which are heterogeneous structures, mediate the spatial distribution of bird territories within a stand and are crucial for the biodiversity of temperate deciduous forests.

Gps Telemetry and Home Range of the White-Backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos: Results of the First Experience

The White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos is one the rarest and the most vulnerable woodpeckers in Europe. Intensive forest practices have caused a widespread decline of the species. In the Spanish Pyrenees, on the south-west limit of the species range, a population of the lilfordi subspecies (Lilford Woodpecker) is estimated at less than 200 individuals which are confined to a few relatively well-conserved beech forests. Despite being an endangered taxon, our knowledge about the size and shape of its home range is still incomplete. Conventional radio-tracking studies of the taxon have been limited due to the complex topography of forests, whereas miniaturized GPS devices have not been available for such a small bird (∼100 g bodyweight) until recently. Here, we evaluate for the first time the utility of modern lightweight GPS tags to characterize the home range of the White-backed Woodpecker. Using 3.4 g GPS-tags we tracked movements of 14 adult individuals during the breeding and post-breeding periods between years 2017–2019. On average, the failure rate (the percentage of failed fix attempts) was 30%, and 76% of successful fixes were accurate (error < 20 m). According to 95% kernel density estimator, the mean home range (∼300 ha) was several times larger than previously reported for the species, and it did not change over the post-breeding period. This finding challenges the utility of previous management recommendations for protecting small buffer areas around the nest or single forest stands. By modeling the home range size as a function of the number of fixes and errors, we found that males had significantly larger home ranges than females. Our results demonstrate that GPS telemetry is feasible in White-backed Woodpecker adults, and it can provide novel and accurate information about the home range of the species if potential sources of error are adequately addressed.

Bill morphology and biometrics of three sibling woodpecker species from sympatric populations

ABSTRACT Capsule Different methods of comparing bill morphology between woodpecker species show different, but not contradictory results. Aims Differences among similar, closely related species which co-occur are still highly debated. In such a scenario, species should diverge morphologically to reduce competition. We studied this phenomenon, in three closely related woodpecker species that co-occur in eastern Slovakia: Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major, Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus and White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos. The Great Spotted Woodpecker has the widest niche and lives sympatrically with both Syrian and White-backed Woodpeckers, while the distributions of the latter two species do not overlap because of their use of different habitats. We predicted that Great Spotted Woodpeckers should differ morphologically from both sympatric species: Syrian and White-backed Woodpeckers. Methods Comparisons were made between species, based on dorsal and lateral views of maxilla using both geometric morphometric techniques and traditional measurements. Results We confirmed our hypothesis, and found significant differences in bill shape between Great Spotted Woodpecker and both congeners. This is in contrast to the observed higher similarity of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Syrian Woodpecker in traditional body measurements. However, surprisingly, Syrian Woodpecker and White-backed Woodpecker do not differ significantly in bill shape. Conclusions This work indicates that geometric morphometry appears to be a promising tool for the investigation of how interspecific competition influences the shape of the bill between co-occurring species.

Wing-feather moult of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi

ABSTRACT Determining the age of specimens is of great help in wildlife management, especially for rare or threatened species in which each individual has a high value. In birds, differences in moulting pattern between juveniles and adults may in some cases allow determination of a bird’s age from the examination of its plumage. In the present study, we analyse the moult of 19 breeding individuals of White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi captured for GPS tagging in the Pyrenees, in order to describe, for the first time, the moulting pattern of this endangered woodpecker. Two well-differentiated groups of adult birds were identified: those that underwent a partial moult, and were classified as second-calendar-year birds, and those that performed a complete one and were classified as older. The first group had renewed most lesser and median coverts, all primaries and the innermost greater coverts, thus showing clear moult limits between the primaries and secondaries and within the greater coverts. Some individuals also replaced up to two more greater coverts (GC5–6). Individuals classified as older birds showed all feathers to be of a single generation, indicating that they had undergone a complete moult. A few individuals in this category retained a few unmoulted secondaries and primary coverts, however. A recapture of a bird with a complete moult, which had been captured a year before showing a partial moult, would confirm these moult sequences to be age dependent. This moulting pattern is very similar to that described for other spotted woodpeckers, and allows researchers to determine the ages of breeding individuals during the nesting season.

Woodpeckers in Western Norway: the White-backed Woodpecker is still the most common species

The pine-dominated forests of Western Norway have been found to harbour viable populations of woodpeckers, including the highly specialized White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent there were any changes in frequencies of woodpeckers, in particular the White-backed Woodpecker and the Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus, by resurveying 60 plots (each 1 km2) originally surveyed during 1994/1995. The resurvey was performed in 2013/2014. The White-backed Woodpecker was found to be the most common woodpecker species in both time periods. The Grey-headed Woodpecker was found to have a statistically significant decline from 27% of the 60 plots in 1994/95 to only 12% in 2013/14. The other four species all increased in frequency; although none of those increased frequencies were found to be statistically significant. We discuss possible explanations to why pine forests in Western Norway constitute a valuable habitat for the White-backed Woodpecker at the same time as it has drastically declined in other parts of Norway and Western Europe. In general, the reduced frequency of Grey-headed Woodpecker is not fully understood, although we suggest that cold winters during the years prior to the surveys in 2013/14 may be an important factor.

Complete mitochondrial genome of white-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos (Piciformes: Picidae) and its phylogenetic position

The white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) is an ecologically important bird in Eurasian forest ecosystems. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the species was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology. The genome was 16,838 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein coding genes, two rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, a non-coding control region and a repeat region. Phylogenetic analysis using available complete mitochondrial genomes of the Coraciimorphae supported the monophyly of the Piciformes. The complete mitochondrial genome of D. leucotos will be a useful genetic resource for population genetics, phylogenetic analysis and conservation of the species.

Status in varstvo belohrbtega detla Dendrocopos leucotos v Sloveniji/ The status and conservation of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Slovenia

Abstract The paper summarizes current knowledge on the population size, habitat, conservation status and conservation measures for the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Slovenia. The species is an extremely rare forest specialist species. It inhabits mostly Dinaric beech Fagus sylvatica forests from Trnovski gozd, Nanos, Javorniki Mts and Mt Snežnik to the Kočevsko region and Gorjanci Mts. The species is also present in the Zasavje region and Mt Boč. The majority of the population (80%) inhabits the altitudinal belt between 700 and 1400 m a.s.l. The size of the Slovenian breeding population is currently estimated at 100-150 breeding pairs. Using the new survey playback method, we expect to find the species at additional sites. The highest densities were recorded on Mt Snežnik (0.7 breeding pairs/km2 in the Zatrep - Planinc forest reserve, 0.6 breeding pairs/km2 at Gomance) and in the Gorjanci Mts (0.6-0.9 breeding pairs/km2 in the Kobile forest reserve). The species inhabits beech and mixed forests with an important percentage of dead trees. The volume of dead trees was measured only at few sites inhabited by the species and ranged from 42 to 283 m3/ha. Signs of foraging were detected mainly on beech snags and stumps; all nests were found in upright beech snags. In Slovenia, the species is threatened by the low percentage of dead deciduous trees in forests, the construction of new forest roads, the increased annual timber harvest and a weak network of forest reserves. The proposed conservation measures include increasing the amount of dead deciduous trees in managed forests, increasing the area of forest reserves and halting the construction of new forest roads.

Practical implementation of species’ recovery plans – lessons from the White-backed Woodpecker Action Plan in Sweden

Successful biodiversity conservation requires safeguarding viable populations of species. To work with this challenge Sweden has introduced a concept of Action Plans, which focus on the recovery of one or more species; while keeping in mind the philosophy of addressing ecosystems in a more comprehensive way, following the umbrella concept. In this paper we investigate the implementation process of the Action Plan for one umbrella species, the White-backed Woodpecker (WBW) Dendrocopos leucotos. We describe the plan’s organisation and goals, and investigate its implementation and accomplishment of particular targets, based on interviewing and surveying the key actors. The achievement of the targets in 2005-2008 was on average much lower than planned, explained partially by the lack of knowledge/data, experienced workers, and administrative flexibility. Surprisingly, the perceived importance of particular conservation measures, the investment priority accorded to them, the money available and various practical obstacles all failed to explain the target levels achieved. However qualitative data from both the interviews and the survey highlight possible implementation obstacles: competing interests with other conservation actions and the level of engagement of particular implementing actors. Therefore we suggest that for successful implementation of recovery plans, there is a need for initial and inclusive scoping prior to embarking on the plan, where not only issues like ecological knowledge and practical resources are considered, but also possible conflicts and synergies with other conservation actions. An adaptive approach with regular review of the conservation process is necessary, particularly in case of such complex action plans as the one for the WBW.

Population trend and status of the endangered White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Finland

White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos is an endangered specialist of mature deciduous forest in many European countries, including Finland. The Finnish population declined severely during the 20th century. We studied the population development and demographic parameters in Finland during recent decades. According to winter counts, the population has been the lowest in 1980–1990s before the recent population increase. Both breeding success (study years 1991–2010) and the number of migrants (1979–2010) arriving from the east, have recently increased significantly. The sex ratio of migrants was female biased. The probability of detected occupancy of breeding pairs, other pairs and occupied territories (at least one individual observed) increased strongly during 1991–2010 especially in the eastern part of the country. Thus, the ca. 300–400% increase in numbers observed is not solely due to the increased number of monitored sites. The proportion of detected occupancy was also higher on territories considered as high-quality habitat. Number of autumnmigrants positively affected the territory occupancy in the following spring, but not the occupancy of pairs or confirmed breeders. Nevertheless, despite the positive trend in the intensity of irruptions, therewas a strong additional positive trend in occupancy that was independent from the effect of immigration.

Usefulness of biophysical proxy data for modelling habitat of an endangered forest species: The white-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos

Efficient conservation planning in managed forest landscapes requires knowledge about the location of functional habitat for specialised species. We explored the importance of different variables to predict habitat suitability for the white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos Bechstein), a proposed umbrella species in deciduous forest. Specifically, we tested whether biophysical proxy variables indicating management intensity and the occurrence of natural processes constituted a useful complement to traditional remotely sensed data on tree species composition and forest stand age for modelling the woodpecker's habitat. Presence–absence of the woodpecker during the study period (1986–2006) in southwestern Sweden was explained by the area of edge habitats (forest bordering water or farmland) and wetland forest, and location relative to the historical marine limit. The number of years with occurrence of the woodpecker in a territory was explained by the area of forest bordering water and wetland forest. Among traditional forest variables, the area of deciduous forest had a strong positive effect on both woodpecker presence–absence and the number of years with occurrence. The results support the hypothesis that edge habitats and forest types subject to natural processes favouring deciduous trees and dead wood creation are valuable to the woodpecker and should be prioritised in conservation planning.

Nordens Ark - a university conservation field station

Nordens Ark is a non-profit foundation aiming to provide self-sustainable viable populations of threatened species through conservation breeding and reintroduction programmes. In 2001, an important decision was made to be part of a scientific society with close contacts to universities, and to appoint a professor in conservation biology as the scientific leader. Together with the universities, new programmes were developed where traditional academic knowledge could be combined with the experience and practical hands-on knowledge of the zoo world. Components of these programmes are held at Nordens Ark on a contracted basis. Nordens Ark has developed international research schools together with Gothenburg University, and conservation aspects of threatened wild animal species and domestic breeds provide the overarching theme. Nordens Ark has successfully taken part in breeding and reintroduction programmes for, among others, the White-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos, the Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus, the Lesser white-fronted goose Anser erythropus, the Green toad Bufo viridis and the Fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina. Nordens Ark has also been contracted by national and international conservation authorities or organizations to ensure that the best possible conservation measures are taken when conflicts arise between infrastructure projects and the conservation of threatened species.

Breeding Bird Community of the Ogawa Forest Reserve, an Old-Growth Deciduous Forest in Central Japan

The breeding bird community of the Ogawa Forest Reserve (OFR), an old-growth deciduous forest in central Japan, was surveyed and compared with those of similar forests on Honshu, the largest island of Japan. Of the 63 bird species observed, 51 were potential breeders within the OFR, and 31 of these had territories in the 12-ha study plot for at least 1 year during the 5 study years. Annual changes in the breeding community were small; the average total density was 491 pairs per 100 ha and the average number of species was 25.6. The Great Tit Parus major was the dominant breeding species, followed by the Willow Tit P. montanus, Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina, Coal Tit P. ater, Varied Tit P. varius, and Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus, a national red-listed species. Some local red-listed species, such as the Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica and White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos were also common in the OFR. The results suggest that the OFR harbors a breeding bird community similar to its original status. Cluster and ordination analyses indicated that the avifauna of the OFR was characterized more by the elevation than by the geographic location and thus represents the original bird species diversity of the low-montane beech forests of Honshu. As low-montane areas of Japan have been degraded in recent decades, the OFR provides a valuable indicator of bird species biodiversity for sustainable forest management.

Totholz – existenziell für den Weissrückenspecht in Nordbünden | Dead wood – a vital necessity for the white-backed woodpecker in the Grisons

The white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) is a species considered to be associated with the primeval forest and is regularly to be found in the steep, little managed, beech-filled forests of the northern Grisons. This gave an opportunity to study its dependence on the presence of dead wood, to determine the supply available in its typical habitat and to document the evolution of the formation of dead wood. Direct observation showed that the woodpecker found up to 97% (n = 394) of its food in dead parts of trees. Two forest areas which should provide the ideal habitat for the white-backed woodpecker in the northern Grisons have a living standing stock of over 400 m3 per hectare but also dead wood amounting to 100 m3 of standing crop per hectare. Based on comparative photographs it is estimated that, in the forests used by the white-backed woodpecker, the death rate in the tree stands is between half and three-quarters of increment. Since the dieback process follows successive phases, this gives a supply of dead wood in varying stages of decomposition. This specific biotope is important not only for the white-backed woodpecker but also for a large number of other species which depend upon dead wood, particularly many insects and fungi. In order to preserve this distinctive ecosystem, the forestry service of the Grisons is endeavouring to create a network of natural forest reserves, in which are represented the numerous forest ecological communities typical of the canton. The possibilities for an exploitation of the timber whilst maintaining a sufficient quantity of dead wood should yet be investigated.

The dynamics of white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) distribution in the north of the Lower Volga Region

Several depressions were identified in the dynamics of white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) distribution in the southern part of the range in the Volga Region, which were due to anthropogenic deforestation over large areas. One of the last destabilizations occurred in the first half of the 20th century when the southern limit of the breeding range receded northward by 100-300 km. Gradual afforestation in the region resulting from ameliorative measures stabilized the limits of the breeding range and northward expansion of the woodpecker. Currently, the habitat of this species is confined to mature broadleaf forests in the Right Bank Saratov Region; in the Khopyor and Medveditsa Valleys, its breeding range extends to 51 degrees 40' N. The birds occur further to the south and east in the post-breeding and winter periods. The limited distribution and low abundance suggests this species to be included in the second edition of the Red Book of Saratov Region.

Forest Management Considerations for Conservation of Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius and White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos Populations in Quinto Real (Spanish Western Pyrenees)

Forest Management Considerations for Conservation of Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius and White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos Populations in Quinto Real (Spanish Western Pyrenees)

On the phylogenetic position of the Okinawa woodpecker (Sapheopipo noguchii)

The Okinawa woodpecker Sapheopipo noguchii is the rarest extant woodpecker species. The monotypic genus Sapheopipo was considered to be a representative of an old lineage of woodpeckers that led to the Eurasian genera Picus and the Blythipicus–Gecinulus species. This view, based on similarities in color patterns, external morphology and foraging behavior, has been adopted in all major accounts of the family. The alternative view, that this woodpecker may be related to the widespread white-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos, which evolved distinctive subspecies on other East Asian islands, has not been generally accepted. We analyzed partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene to test these hypotheses. The data suggest that the Okinawa woodpecker is a member of the genus Dendrocopos, with white-backed woodpecker and great spotted woodpecker D. major as close relatives. Color patterns support the genetic results and indicate a closer relationship with the white-backed woodpecker. Consequently, the correct taxonomic designation of the Okinawa woodpecker would be Dendrocopos noguchii (Seebohm in Ibis 5(5):173–182, 1887) in the tribe Campetherini rather than Picini.

Karakteristika ved to territorier for hvitryggspett Dendrocopos leucotos i Telemark

I investigated two territories of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos situated in Skien and Notodden (Telemark). The territories are situated in the far east in the range of the Norwegian Sørlandet population. One territory (Notodden) was situated in a stand of grey alder. The amount of fallen and standing dead trees was investigated using two census plots. The density of fallen and standing dead trees (mostly grey alder) was 324 and 137 truncs/ha, respectively. A well defined area covering 33 ha of high quality foraging habitats represents an estimate of the home range during the nestling period. The other territory (Skien) was situated in a landscape where decidous forests are heavily fragmented. All suitable foraging habitats (stands of decidous forest with high density of dead and dying trees) were mapped within the area 0-3 km from the nesting site (a circular area of 28 km2). Patches of decidous forests occurs as 1-10 ha patches in a matrix of clearcuts and young stands of spruce. Decidous forest makes up only 4 % of the total area. The area within 1 km from the nest site showed the greatest abundance of suitable foraging habitats (480 ha, 15,4 % of the total area), while the density of suitable foraging habitats declined further away from the nest site. Changes in forest structure leading to reduced amount of suitable foraging habitats on a landscape level is believed to be the main reason for the decline in the population of the White-backed Woodpecker in eastern parts of Norway, as well as in Western Europe as a whole.

Bestandsestimat og utbreiing av kvitryggspett Dendrocopos leucotos i Noreg

Status and distribution of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Norway The White-backed Woodpecker, being classified as a vulnerable species in Norway, has declined dramatically in western Europe during the last decades. The primary reason is that forestry has removed dead deciduous trees with insect larvae, which constitutes its main food. At present, the only viable population in western Europe is found along the southern and western coast of southern Norway. Our responsibilities for a proper management of the species makes it important to know its status and distribution well. This is the main reason for the present paper, where the White-backed Woodpeckers historical and present distribution is described for each county. During the main survey of the species in Norway i.e. after 1985, it is reported during breeding from all counties in southern Norway except Hedmark, but only in autumn in northern Norway. The species is very scarce in the eastern part of the country, especially in the counties of Hedmark and Ostfold, where only one nest is found after 1960. Hundred years ago it was relatively common in places in this area. Further west, in Oppland, its present distribution is very scattered, although it still may be breeding. During the last decades the decline of the species is best documented in the counties along the Oslofjord: Oslo-Akershus and Vestfold. Deciduous forest along watercourses and in hillsides were important habitats before most of these areas were clearfelled and planted with conifers. This also applies to the coastal areas of Telemark, but the species has fared better in the inner parts of this county, where today the only regular breeding population in eastern Norway is found. Although it is also a regular breeder in Aust-Agder, its distribution is somewhat scattered, in contrast to the very even occurence in most of Vest-Agder. Combined with favourable climatic condition, the steep terrain along fjords makes the forests along the western coast north to Trondelag an optimal habitat for the species. The topography makes forestry avtivities difficult in many places, and the White-backed Woodpecker has a strong foothold, being somewhere the most common woodpecker species in the four counties of western Norway. It also breeds regularly in Trondelag south of Trondheimsfjorden , but there are no evidences for breeding in northern Norway. Based on the present occurrence and densities of breeding pairs, the Norwegian population is estimated to about 1800 pairs.

Territory Quality and Feather Growth in the White-Backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos

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