Red-cockaded woodpecker, downlisted to threatened.

Interior Department Announces Downlisting of Red-cockaded Woodpecker from Endangered to Threatened. Over 50 years of collaborative conservation has prevented the extinction of this iconic Southeast bird.

"The downlisting of the red-cockaded woodpecker marks a significant milestone in our nation's commitment to preserving biodiversity,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Through decades of collaborative efforts from a wide coalition of partners, we have brought this iconic species back from the brink of extinction, ensuring that future generations will continue to see these incredible birds thriving in their natural habitats. This is another important accomplishment in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s implementation of the iconic Endangered Species Act.”

Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are the only North American woodpeckers to excavate cavities in living pine trees. They create small holes called resin wells around their cavity entrances, which produce sap that deters predators. A family group may maintain and use up to 30 cavity trees in their territory.

Known as a keystone species, red-cockaded woodpeckers are vital to their local ecosystems. Their nest cavities offer valuable habitats for other species, including eastern bluebirds, flying squirrels, corn snakes, and barking tree frogs.

Their disused cavities can also be modified into larger spaces by northern flickers and pileated woodpeckers, which are then useful for even more species, including eastern screech owls, bats, and honeybees.

References:

Downlisting of Red-cockaded Woodpecker from Endangered to Threatened | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service