Active and abandoned red-cockaded woodpecker habitat in Kentucky

We characterized composition, density, and structure of habitat occupied by red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) on the Daniel Boone National Forest (NF), Kentucky, and we compared areas surrounding active and abandoned cavity trees. Basal area of active colonies (22.7 [msup.2]/ha) was composed of 48% pine (chiefly Pinus echinata) and 52% nonpine (chiefly Quercus spp.); density (2,257 stems/ha) and hardwood abundance (88% of total stems) were much higher than recorded in red-cockaded habitat elsewhere. Stand characteristics did not differ between areas immediately surrounding active and abandoned trees, but areas surrounding abandoned colonies had lower percentage (P [unkeyable] 0.04) of habitat dominated by pine and pine-oak and greater percentages (P [unkeyable] 0.02) of stands that had been harvested. Damage to cavity trees by pileated woodspeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) was greater (P < 0.002) on abandoned areas. The availability of suitable habitat was apparently the major limitation to red-cockaded woodpecker populations; hence management should emphasize the maintenance of, or increase in, the area occupied by mature and stands of pine and pine-oak.