Once fairly common in the southeastern United States, this bird is now rare, local, and considered an endangered species. It requires precise conditions within mature pine forest, a habitat that is now scarce.
How many red-cockaded woodpecker are left?
Currently, there are an estimated 14,068 red-cockaded woodpeckers living in 5,627 known active clusters across 11 states . The precipitous decline in red-cockaded woodpecker populations was caused by an almost complete loss of habitat .
How are red-cockaded woodpeckers being protected?
The red-cockaded woodpecker has been supported by a combination of conservation approaches, including artificial cavity management, habitat management to support suitable nesting and foraging habitat to include silviculture practices and prescribed burning, as well as translocations to augment populations.