Red-cockaded Woodpecker

November 19, 2020

The Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) is a federally endangered species that requires mature open pine timber to nest and forage. They are the only woodpeckers that nest in live trees, and they are a “keystone” species because many other species use their cavities. At least 27 species of vertebrates have been documented using RCW cavities, either for roosting or nesting.

The Longleaf Alliance works with landowners and managers to improve their habitat for RCWS. We also work with federal and state partners and private landowners to move (or translocate) RCW’s onto designated state and private lands with suitable habitat. Translocation speeds the species’ recovery by moving young birds from one population and introducing them to another location with a suitable habitat. We work with partners to translocate birds from the Apalachicola National Forest, Osceola National Forest, and Francis Marion National Forest.

The RCW is about 7 inches in length and has a white cheek patch with a black and white horizontal striped barred back. Males have a small red streak on each side of their black cap known as a “cockade.”

Photo by Brady Beck.