Long-term effects of red-cockaded woodpecker cavity-entrance restrictors

Cavity restrictors have been advocated as a strategy to reduce kleptoparasi tism of the cavities of red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) by oth er cavity-dependent species. We examined the long-term effects of cavity re strictors on red-cockaded woodpecker cavity usage at the Bienville National Forest, Mississippi. Ten to 27% (n = 87, n = 22) of restricted cavities we re still active 8-9 years post-installment. Cavity restrictors may be a use ful, long-term management tool to extend the suitability of cavities for re d-cockaded woodpeckers.