Birds  Using Willows
(Salix spp.)
for Food, Nesting Sites,
and Protective Cover
 

Bird Species
(Scientific & Common Names)

Aix sponsa 1,4
(Wood Duck)

Anas acuta 1
(Northern Pintail)

Anas platyrhynchos 1,4
(Mallard)

Zonotrichia leucophrys 4
(White-crowned Sparrow)

Acanthis flammea 2,3,4
(Common Redpoll)

Coccothraustes vespertinus 2
(Evening Grosbeak)

Pinicola enucleator 2
(Pine Grosbeak)

Spinus tristis 3,4
(American Goldfinch)

Quiscalus quiscula 3
(Common Grackle)

Bonasa umbellus 2,4,5,6
(Ruffed Grouse)

Melanerpes carolinus 3
(Red-bellied Woodpecker)

Melanerpes erythrocephalus 3
(Red-headed Woodpecker)


1 feeds on catkins, 2 feeds on buds,
3 used for nesting sites,
4 provides protective cover
5 feeds on leaves, 6 feed on young shoots

Note: Woodpeckers use only large willow trees
for nesting sites.

Sources: DeGraaf (2002), DeVore et al. (2004),
Homan et al. (1996), Martin et al. (1951/1961),
Bennetts (1900), Jackson (1976)

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