Downy woodpecker foraging behavior: foraging by expectation and energy intake rate

Abstract

I describe an artificial patch system that was used to study the foraging behavior of free-roaming downy woodpeckers ( Picoides pubescens ) in a woodlot in southeastern Michigan. The artificial “patches” used were thin logs into which were drilled small holes to hold food items (bits of sunflower seed kernels). Downy woodpeckers would systematically search the holes of a patch for food items and thus by manipulating the food distribution within the patches, the birds could be made to experience differing rates of energy intake while foraging.