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Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2007
- Title: Breeding habitat requirements of the Appalachian Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Primary Author: Scott Pearson (Mars Hill College)
- Additional Authors: John Gerwin (North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences)
- Abstract:
A subspecies of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius appalaciensis) breeds in the high mountains of the Southern Appalachians. Stand structure and vegetation were sampled in occupied and unoccupied forest stands in three study areas in western North Carolina to determine preferred characteristics of breeding habitat. Occupied stands belonged to high elevation red oak, high elevation cove hardwood, and northern hardwood forest types. Although mean tree diameters were not different for nest and non-nest stands, sapsucker nests were found in larger than average trees (mean±SE dbh, 45.8±17.8 cm). Occupied stands had a greater abundance of snags and a smaller evergreen component than non-nest stands, but 67 of 68 nests were found in living trees. Use of tree species for nesting was variable across study sites and appeared to be opportunistic. Three quarters of the nests were found in red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (A. saccharum), or black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). While sapsucker nests were not associated with forest edges, occupied stands had a greater abundance of black locust. This tree species develops heart-rot characteristics suitable for sapsucker cavity excavation and regenerates well after disturbance. The results suggest that these birds require mature stand conditions, but tree species associated with edges and disturbance can enhance habitat quality. Fine-scale disturbances, such as those described by gap dynamics, can provide both of these stand conditions in close proximity.
- Research Category: Biodiversity Studies
Conservation and Management
