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1 September 2010 Kleptoparasitism of a Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Nest Cavity by a Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
David K. Delaney, Lawrence D. Carlile
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Abstract

We report the kleptoparasitism of a Picoides borealis (Red-cockaded Woodpecker) cavity by a Melanerpes carolinus (Red-bellied Woodpecker). We believe this is the first video documenting kleptoparasitism of a Red-cockaded Woodpecker nest by a male Red-bellied Woodpecker in which both a nestling and an attending adult Red-cockaded Woodpecker adult were forcibly ejected. The Red-bellied Woodpecker was resolute in its attempt to usurp the nest, reaching into the cavity over 2000 times in an attempt to evict the cavity occupants. The male Red-bellied Woodpecker and his mate took over the cavity soon after. Adult Red-cockaded Woodpeckers continued to visit their nest cavity during diurnal hours for 2 days post-kleptoparasitism. It is important that resource managers incorporate proactive management techniques to lessen the impact of interspecific competition for cavities, especially in smaller or fragmented Red-cockaded Woodpecker populations.

David K. Delaney and Lawrence D. Carlile "Kleptoparasitism of a Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Nest Cavity by a Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)," Southeastern Naturalist 9(3), 624-628, (1 September 2010). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.009.0318
Published: 1 September 2010
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