Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America by Stephen Shunk

Author:Stephen Shunk
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published: 2016-06-09T12:00:00+00:00

Territory Defense and Sociality

Local nesting densities vary widely, from 6 to 15 pairs per 25 ac. (10 ha); in ne. OR reported as 1.7–4.7 birds per 247 ac. (100 ha) in grand fir forest. Highest densities are nearly always in large contiguous forest stands, lowest in areas cleared of large stands for urbanization or agriculture.

Territorial behavior is always same-sex opposition, typically peaking twice annually, at start of breeding season and just before pair initiates excavation.

Variety of displays includes bill waving, with extended neck and wings, and exaggerated threat display, with head tipped way back and wings held over back at steep angle. Drumming is a frequent component of territorial announcement by both sexes.

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