Tree cavities are a precious commodity for wildlife. It has been estimated that about one-fourth of northeastern forest wildlife species need trees with cavities.
Some cavities are excavated by birds while others are created by decay and broken branches. Trees with cavities are used by wildlife for nesting and raising young, protection from predators, a place to store food, hibernation, and roosting.
Eighty-five species of birds in North America are cavity nesters, including chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, woodpeckers, owls and certain species of ducks, among others.
Small mammals also use cavities to raise their young. Fishers, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and porcupines all can be found taking advantage of the shelter and safety they provide for raising their young.
Snakes, frogs, salamanders, and all kinds of invertebrates find food, shelter, and egg-incubating conditions inside tree cavities.
Save those snags (standing dead trees) in your woods: their cavities are prime real estate.
Read more about tree cavities and New York’s wildlife.
Story and photo of porcupine in a tree cavity by Mary Holland, provided by DEC.
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