The purpose of this study is to collect observational data on foraging behavior of North American woodpeckers that can then be compared with plumage data (collected elsewhere) to determine whether there is a relationship between plumage pattern & foraging behavior in woodpeckers. The data I will be recording will include metrics such as foraging height in trees, time spent in different parts of the tree (trunk vs. limbs, exposed vs. hidden), responses to conspecifics and aerial predators, etc. There will be no manipulation of or interference with the animals, and no tissue/by-product collection. I will be watching, photographing, and taking videos of woodpeckers while they are foraging, all from a distance so as not to disturb them.

Approved