Woodpeckers, particularly green woodpeckers, have a strong affinity for nesting in live trees. They prefer trees with softer wood, such as deciduous trees like willows or poplars. These trees provide them with easier access to excavate cavities for nesting.
Interestingly, woodpeckers often exhibit site fidelity, meaning they tend to return to the same nesting site or tree each year, if it is still available. This behavior is especially true for green woodpeckers. Once they find a suitable tree with a suitable cavity, they will continue to use it year after year if it remains intact.
The reason for this site fidelity is likely due to the availability and suitability of nesting sites. Woodpeckers spend a considerable amount of time and effort excavating a nest cavity, which can take several weeks to complete. Therefore, returning to a previously used site saves them the time and energy required to find a new suitable nesting site and excavate a new cavity.
The green woodpecker, in particular, is known to exhibit strong territorial behavior during the breeding season. They defend their nesting sites vigorously against other woodpeckers and potential competitors. Returning to the same tree each year allows them to maintain their territory and protect their nesting site.
In addition to site fidelity, woodpeckers also tend to be selective about the specific hole they use within a tree. They may reuse the same hole, making minor repairs or modifications as needed, rather than excavating a new one. This behavior is also seen in green woodpeckers, who are known to maintain and reuse the same cavity over multiple breeding seasons.
It is worth noting that while woodpeckers generally exhibit site fidelity, there can be exceptions. In some cases, if a previously used tree or cavity becomes unsuitable or unavailable, woodpeckers may be forced to find a new nesting site. However, this is less common and typically only occurs if their preferred nesting site is severely damaged or destroyed.
Woodpeckers, including green woodpeckers, often return to the same tree each year for nesting. This behavior, known as site fidelity, allows them to save time and energy by reusing a previously excavated nest cavity. The availability and suitability of nesting sites, as well as territorial behavior, contribute to their preference for returning to the same tree.