Contact calls in woodpeckers are individually distinctive, show significant sex differences and enable mate recognition

Vocal communication of woodpeckers has been relatively little studied so far, mostly because majority of species use drumming to communicate. Our recent study on the Middle Spotted Woodpecker revealed that a call which is specific for floaters is individually distinctive and functions as a vocal signature of unpaired individuals. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether a contact call of paired territory owners of the same species enables discrimination of individuals and their sex. Acoustic analyses revealed that the call is individually distinctive and experimental approach confirmed that woodpeckers are able to distinguish between a contact call of their partner and a stranger. We also found that the contact call shows significant sex differences. Interestingly, the acoustic parameter enabling sex identification is different than the parameters coding individual variability of the call. The design of a call so that its first part would code the identity of an individual and the second part would code its sex presents an effective and fine-tuned communication system. The results of our study also suggest that the contact call of paired Middle Spotted Woodpeckers may be useful for conservation biologists as a tool supporting other census methods.

Foraging Site Selection of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Leiopicus medius Linnaeus) in Primeval Oak-Lime-Hornbeam Forest of the Białowieża National Park: Comparison of Breeding and Non-Breeding Seasons

The distribution of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Leiopicus medius) is restricted to mature deciduous forests with large trees, mainly oaks (Quercus spp.). Intensive forest management resulted in the loss of many suitable habitats, thus resulting in a decline in the population of this species. This study aimed to identify the parameters of foraging sites in the breeding season (April to June) and in the non-breeding season (other months). The research was conducted in the primeval oak-lime-hornbeam forest of the Białowieża National Park, where foraging woodpeckers were observed and detailed parameters of foraging sites were recorded. During the breeding season woodpeckers foraged primarily on European hornbeams (Carpinus betulus L.), but in non-breeding season the use of this tree species decreased by a factor of two, whereas the use of Norway spruces (Picea abies Linnaeus) increased more than twice. The most preferred tree species as a foraging site in both seasons was pedunculate oak (Quercus robur Linnaeus). In the non-breeding season, woodpeckers foraged at sites located higher, and the foraging session was longer compared with the breeding season. In both seasons, woodpeckers preferred dead and large trees and prey gleaning from the tree surface was their dominant foraging technique. Our results confirmed the key role of oaks and large trees, but also revealed the importance of European hornbeams and Norway spruces as foraging sites for the Middle Spotted Woodpecker.

Reproductive performance of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocoptes medius around Yasouj city (South Western Iran)

In the spring of 2018, 18 nests of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius) were surveyed in a 300 hectare area of the forest region in the south and north of Yasouj. Egg-laying began in late March. Clutch sizes were between three and seven (mean: 4.29 ± 1.25, median: 4, N = 8). The incubation period varied from 11 to 13 days (mean: 12.4 ± 0.89 days). The number of eggs that hatched in successful nests (N = 8) ranged from 2 to 5 (mean: 3.75 ± 0.89). Hatching percentage (N = 7) was 90%. Duration of the nestling period was 23–25 days (median: 24 days). Fledging dates ranged from Apr 28 to June 10, and most chicks (77%) fledged in the first ten days of May. Number of fledglings from successful nests (N = 17) ranged from 1 to 5 (mean: 3.58 ± 0.71), whereas the mean number of fledglings from all nests (N = 18) was 3.39 ± 1.09. The percentage of successful nests (at least one fledged young, N = 17) was 94.4%. The overall duration of breeding varied from 39 to 43 days (mean: 40.8 ± 1.48 days).

Review of Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius distribution in the Karst region (W Slovenia), results of the first systematic census and first recorded breeding of the species in the area

The Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius is a highly specialised woodpecker inhabiting mature deciduous forests. The presence of large mature oaks Quercus sp. is a very important factor determining the species' presence and distribution. In Slovenia it is more common in the eastern part, where it inhabits mainly lowland flood-plain oak forests. In other parts of the country it is more localised, as is the case in western Slovenia, where small isolated populations were recently discovered. In this paper we present the currently known observations of Middle Spotted Woodpecker in the Karst region (W Slovenia), the results of the first systematic survey and the first documented breeding of the species in this area. The survey was carried out on the 20 of March 2016 in the wooded hills between the villages of Senožeče and Veliko polje. Using playback method we recorded a total of 8 territorial woodpeckers, confirming our initial expectations about the species' abundance in that area. Breeding was also confirmed in the hills of Senožeče, an active nest-hole was found on 23 Apr 2017. On 18 May 2017 at least 3 juveniles successfully left the nest. Middle Spotted Woodpeckers have recently been observed also in other oak woodlands across the Karst and nearby areas, especially outside the breeding season. These areas include Lipica, Bazovica, the Brkini hills and the Gorica Karst. From summer 2016 onwards several observations of Middle Spotted Woodpeckers have been reported from Lipica, involving up to four different individuals. Repeated sightings in this area and the presence of suitable habitat suggest a probable breeding. The increased number of data in western Slovenia during the last decade might be a consequence of more frequent field visits by ornithologists. Moreover, the presence of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker in this part of the country might be linked to the gradual spreading of forests and the maturing of oak stands already present here. In the above-mentioned areas, further investigations and systematic censuses are therefore needed in the coming springs.