Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Breeding Range. (Fig. 93). Fairly common in the southern portion of the Agassiz Lake Plain (within Richland County, eastern Ransom County, and northeastern Sargent County), along the lower Missouri River valley (stretch extending downstream from Garrison Dam to a point about 10 miles below Bismarck) and along the upper portion of the Little Missouri River (within Billings and Slope Counties, and northwestern Bowman County); uncommon in central and northern portions of the Agassiz Lake Plain (within Cass, Traill, Steele, Grand Forks, Walsh, and Pembina Counties), along the lower portion of the Sheyenne River valley (within Barnes County and northwestern Ransom County), along the lower portion of the Little Missouri River (within McKenzie and Dunn Counties), and along the upper portion of the Missouri River valley (along stretch extending upstream from mouth of Little Missouri River); rare elsewhere throughout the state.
In certain areas, this species apparently was much more numerous during the late 1800's and early 1900's than at the present time. At Fort Rice, it was found to be abundant during the third week of June 1873 (Allen 1874). Coues (1878) reported that this species was common along the Red River north to Pembina in 1873. Other reports that indicate former abundance are as follows: very common at Grand Forks on July 19, 1887 (V. Bailey); common at Fargo on August 6, 1893 (A. K. Fisher); common at Marmarth on July 31, 1909 (V. Bailey); common at Medora during August 1-8, 1909 (Streeter) and in June 1921 (Wood 1923).
Breeding Habitat. Characteristic of open woodlands or forest margins. This species is found in the vicinity of upland and bottomland forests; tree claims and mature shelterbelts; and in partially wooded residential areas of suburbs, towns, and farmsteads. Within natural stands of trees an affinity is shown for tracts that contain numerous dead trees. Red-headed Woodpeckers frequently range out from these woodland types into adjoining areas of open habitat, particularly along roadsides with telephone poles.
Nesting. Breeding season: Early June to early August. Extreme dates of active nests (6 nests): June 5 [1917] in Richland County (Jensen 1918) to July 23 [1913] in Williams County (V. Bailey). The nest found in Richland County contained six eggs on June 11. On July 8 [1964], a nest with eight young was recorded (Mrs. G. A. Anderson). During August 1-8 [1909], families of flying young were observed at Medora (Streeter).
Nesting holes are usually excavated in dead tree snags or in telephone poles. Tree species that are utilized include cottonwood and American elm. Openings of two nesting holes were 15 feet and 20 feet above the ground.
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| Figure 93. Breeding Range of Red-headed Woodpecker. |
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U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/bbofnd/species/4060.htm
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Menlo Park, CA [caww54]
