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Pileated woodpeckers may reuse the same nest cavity for multiple years in a row. However, they do not necessarily return to the exact same cavity every single year. These woodpeckers excavate new nest cavities each year, but will also reuse suitable old cavities. The specific nest site a given pair returns to in any year depends on cavity availability, territory boundaries, and other factors. On average, a nest cavity may be reused for 2-3 years or sometimes longer before the decay and enlargement of the cavity makes it unsuitable for further nesting.
The pileated woodpecker is a large woodpecker species found in mature forests across much of North America. These crow-sized birds are known for their loud, machine-gun-like drumming as they excavate nest cavities in dead trees. Pileated woodpeckers mate for life and reuse nesting cavities for multiple years. But do they return to the exact same nest every single year? Or do they excavate a new cavity each season? Below we’ll take a closer look at the nesting biology and behaviors of these fascinating birds to find out.
Do Pileated Woodpeckers Excavate a New Cavity Every Year?
Pileated woodpeckers are adept excavators and build a new nest cavity every year. The male and female work together to excavate the nest, a process which takes around 1-2 weeks. They prefer to excavate cavities in dead trees or dead parts of live trees. The cavity is typically rectangular-shaped and very large, up to 20 inches deep and 10 inches wide.
This excavation behavior gives pileated woodpeckers more options for nest sites each year. However, it does not mean they abandon old nest cavities.
Reuse of Old Cavities
Although they excavate new cavities annually, pileated woodpeckers will readily reuse old nest cavities in future years. In fact, reuse of old cavities is quite common. There are several reasons why:
- Excavating a cavity is energetically expensive. Reusing an old one saves energy.
- Old cavities are a known safe nesting spot.
- Older cavities have thicker walls that better insulate eggs and young.
- There may be limited suitable nesting trees within their territory.
Studies have found pileated woodpeckers may use the same cavity for 2-3 years on average. But some cavities may be reused for up to 10 or even 15 years.
What Factors Influence Nest Site Reuse?
If pileated woodpeckers are willing to reuse old cavities, why don’t they use the exact same nest every single year? Several factors play a role:
Cavity Availability
The number of suitable cavities limits reuse. Pileated woodpeckers require large cavities in dead or dying trees within their territory. If few old cavities exist, they must excavate new ones more frequently. In forests with abundant dead trees, cavity reuse is higher.
Cavity Persistence
Over time, old woodpecker cavities decay and degrade. Weather, fungus, and nest enlargement by woodpeckers limit the lifespan of unused cavities to around 5 years. Cavities in use decay even faster. Most cavities only remain suitable for nesting for 2-3 years before becoming unusable.
Territory Boundaries
Pileated woodpeckers are territorial and remain in the same general area year-round. Their territory boundaries shift over time. Old cavities that were once within their territory may no longer be useable if territorial boundaries change.
Predation and Competitors
Predators and competitors like squirrels, owls, and other woodpeckers may usurp old pileated woodpecker cavities. This forces the woodpeckers to excavate a new nest elsewhere within their territory.
New Mate
If one member of a pair dies, the other will acquire a new mate. The new pair may then excavate a fresh nest cavity within their territory even if the old one remains useable.
Do Pairs Have Multiple Cavity Options?
Pileated woodpecker pairs often have multiple suitable nest cavities within their breeding territory. Studies have shown they may have as many as 15-20 cavity options within their range. This gives them flexibility in choosing nest sites each year based on the factors mentioned above.
Having multiple cavity options in an area also allows for rotation between nests. Some data indicates pairs may preferentially alternate between 2-3 different nests from year to year. Rotating nests may help avoid predators and nest parasites.
Conclusion
In summary, pileated woodpeckers are resourceful nesters. Although they don’t reuse the exact same nest cavity every single year, they will readily reuse suitable old cavities. On average, a given cavity is reused for 2-3 years before becoming unsuitable. Cavity persistence, territory boundaries, competition, and other factors influence a pair’s nest site selection each year. Pileated woodpeckers utilize both new and old cavities as part of their nesting strategy. Their carpentry skills and large territories with multiple cavity options give them the flexibility to raise their young in safe, warm nests.
Key Facts About Pileated Woodpecker Nest Reuse
Fact | Details |
---|---|
Excavate new cavity annually | Male and female excavate a new nest cavity each spring in a dead or dying tree before eggs are laid |
Readily reuse old cavities | Old nest cavities are reused for 2-3 years on average |
Cavity persistence | Unused cavities may last up to 5 years. In-use cavities decay faster, lasting 2-3 years typically. |
Multiple cavity options | Pairs have 15-20 suitable nest cavities to choose from within their territory |
Rotating nest sites | Some pairs alternate between 2-3 different nest cavities from year to year |
Factors influencing reuse | Cavity availability, territory boundaries, competitors, new mates, and cavity decay limit reuse of the same nest |