CHARACTERISTICS OF LEWIS' WOODPECKER HABITAT ON THE MODOC PLATEAU, CALIFORNIA

Abstract

The Lewis' Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) breeds throughout western North America in open Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests, logged or burned coniferous forests, open riparian woodlands, and oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands (Bent 1939; Snow 1940; Bock 1970; Jackman 1974). Features of each habitat include an open tree canopy, snags, and a shrub understory (Bock 1970; Jackman 1974; Sousa 1983).