Unhatched Eggs in Nests of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers

Authors

Warren G. Montague, Ouachita National ForestFollow
Claudia F. Bailey, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Joseph C. Neal, Ouachita National ForestFollow
Douglas A. James, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Abstract

During 1991 and 1992, nests of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) were monitored in the Ouachita National Forest in Scott and Polk counties of west-central Arkansas. Nests in three additional woodpecker areas in Arkansas and Oklahoma were also monitored in 1992. Of 92 eggs laid in 27 nesting attempts in the Ouachita National Forest, 18 (19%) failed to hatch. When viewed in the cavities, six unhatched eggs were noticeably below average in size for the species and eight were average size. Seven unhatched eggs were removed in 1992 from seven nests in Arkansas and Oklahoma; three eggs showed some embryological development and three showed no development. Techniques used to remove unhatched eggs and results of analysis of eggs are presented. Possible management applications of egg data are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Montague, Warren G.; Bailey, Claudia F.; Neal, Joseph C.; and James, Douglas A. (1993) "Unhatched Eggs in Nests of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 47, Article 20.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol47/iss1/20