Acorn Woodpecker – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Acorn Woodpecker
Species Scientific Name Melanerpes formicivorus
Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Klamath Mountains

The Klamath Mountains ecoregion covers much of southwestern Oregon, including the Umpqua Mountains, Siskiyou Mountains, and interior valleys and foothills between these and the Cascade Range. The Rogue watershed has the largest population of any coastal watershed in Oregon (Jackson County, Josephine County, and a portion of Curry County). Several popular and scenic rivers run …

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.

Special needs

Acorn Woodpeckers prefer oak woodlands with high canopies and relatively open understories. They are dependent upon dead limbs or snags for storing acorns.

Limiting factors

Loss of oak woodlands, particularly in the Willamette Valley, poses a major threat to Acorn Woodpeckers and other oak habitat specialists. Remaining birds persist locally and in small numbers. Acorn Woodpeckers also compete with European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) for nesting cavities in some areas.

Data gaps

Improve understanding of nesting ecology, especially nest site requirements.

Conservation actions

Work with private landowners to maintain and restore oak woodlands with open understories, especially in large patches. Maintain snags and older trees with dead limbs.

Key reference or plan

Land Manager's Guide to Bird Habitat and Populations in Oak Ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest