Predation on nesting woodpeckers in British Columbia

Abstract

Predation on eggs, nestlings, and breeding adults of Red-naped Sapsuckers, Sphyrapicus nuchalis, Northern Flickers, Colaptes auratus, Hairy Woodpeckers, Picoides villosus, and Williamson's Sapsuckers, S. thyroideus, was documented in the Hat Creek valley, south-central British Columbia from 1989-1994. Predation by Black Bears (Ursus americanus), Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), and House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon) was observed; and predation by Long-tailed Weasels (Mustela frenata) was inferred.