Nest Site Selection by Red-Naped Sapsuckers : Influence of Willow Proximity, Aspen Heartwood Rot Fungus, and Other Ecological Factors.

Abstract

Woodpeckers are considered ecosystem engineers because they excavate nest cavities that eventually provide habitat for other cavity nesting species. In aspen (Populustremuloides) woodlands of the southern Rocky Mountains, red-naped sapsuckers (Sphyrapicusnuchalis) are the predominant woodpecker, providing essential nest cavities for multiple bird species. Previous work indicated that sapsuckers avoid nesting in aspens far (>500m) from willows. However, previous work did not account for potentially confounding effects of other variables such as the prevalence of the heartwood rot fungus, Phellinustremulae.