Distribution and habitat characteristics of the White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi) in the Spanish western Pyrenees

Full article

Published:

Volume 41(2), December 1994. Pages 135-140.

Language:

Spanish

Original title:

Corología y caracterización del hábitat del Pico Dorsiblanco (Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi) en el Pirineo occidental español

Keywords:

Dendrocopos leucotos lilfordi, distribution, habitat, population, Pyrenees, Spain, White-backed Woodpecker.

Abstract:

The forests most suitable for the White-backed Woodpecker in the Spanish western Pyrenees (Navarra and Huesca) were prospected during 1992-93. The species was found in 29 localities. The White-backed Woodpecker inhabits the best beech-woods (Fagus sylvatica) from the Valle de Ansó to Quinto Real, with an isolated population in Bertiz. A total of 60-70 pairs was estimated for the Spanish western Pyrenees, with two main areas in Irati and Quinto Real forests containing more that 70% of the Iberian population. In the Spanish western Pyrenees the White-backed Woodpecker occurs between 400-1700 m a.s.l., and in forests where the beech is the dominant tree: pure beech-woods (53% of the localities), beech-silver fir (Abies alba) woods (43%), and beech forests interspersed with pines (Pinus sylvestris, P. uncinata) and oaks (Quercus robur) (4%). Occupied forests were on steep northwest facing slopes where, due to climatic, morphological and human factors, the best broad-leaved forests have been conserved.