3rd Largest woodpecker in the world...

 

Photo by Glenn & Jo McKinnon

Pileated Woodpeckers are what ecologists call a 'Keystone Species'.   So says Ted Cheskey, Naturalist Director of nature Canada.What is a keystone species?   Mr. Cheskey says a keystone species is an organism that has a significant influence on the ecosystem it occupies that is disproportionately large compared to its abundance or biomass.

How do 'Pileateds' contribute to their ecosystem?   It's their nest sites that contribute.   There are 27 other species of birds and creatures that re-use Pileated Woodpecker nest sites (list below)to reproduce: a secure and safe place to have their babies and nurture them through the most vulnerable part of their lives.

The species indebted to the Pileated Woodpeckers are:

Wood Duck                           Hairy Woodpecker

Hooded Merganser              Northern Flicker

Common Merganser            Brown Creeper

Barrow's Golden Eye           Northern Flying Squirrel

Common Golden Eye          Red Squirrel

Bufflehead                            Douglas Squirrel

American Kestrel                 Bushy-tailed Woodrat    

Flammulated Owl                 American Marten

Western Screech Owl          Ringtail

Northern Pygmy Owl           Fisher

Northern Saw-whet Owl      Little Brown Myotis

Boreal Owl                            Big Brown Myotis

Vaux's Swift                          Silver-haired Bat

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder