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<p>The Great Spotted Woodpecker (<i>Dendrocopos major</i>, MAJ) and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (<i>Dendrocoptes medius</i>, MED) are ecologically similar species that co-occur in Central Europe and may compete for resources. Both forage on tree trunks and branches and excavate nest holes in trunks. While MAJ is a widespread generalist, MED is typically associated with old oak (<i>Quercus</i>) stands, though it has recently expanded into new habitats. We experimentally examined the dynamics of their interspecific competition comparing situations 20&#xa0;years old and recent. We used experimental observations of induced aggression and territoriality, and ecological niche characterisation as methods for assessing the competition. Over the last two decades, MAJ’s aggression towards MED has decreased at long-term sympatric sites, suggesting behavioural adjustment. By contrast, MED’s aggression towards MAJ remained stable. Additionally, recent regional differences in interspecific aggression emerged: in sympatric regions, interspecific aggression was very low, whereas in areas where MED has only recently spread, MAJ displayed territorial behaviour towards it. Niche analyses revealed significant recent overlap, with MED’s niche entirely embedded within that of MAJ. We conclude that, despite niche overlap, MAJ has adapted to coexist with MED, whilst MED continues to perceive MAJ as a competitor. This asymmetric dynamic highlights how generalist species may adjust their behavioural strategies to accommodate expanding specialists, whilst specialists may maintain more rigid responses, potentially limiting their competitive flexibility in changing ecosystems.</p>

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From rivals to neighbours: how time reduces aggression in two woodpecker species

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月18日

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  • Alena Fišerová,
  • Matěj Máca,
  • Max Linus Jankovic,
  • Lucie Radová,
  • Eliška Malcová,
  • Petra Hurtová,
  • Ondřej Fišer,
  • Michaela Syrová,
  • Roman Fuchs,
  • Petr Veselý

摘要

The Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major, MAJ) and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius, MED) are ecologically similar species that co-occur in Central Europe and may compete for resources. Both forage on tree trunks and branches and excavate nest holes in trunks. While MAJ is a widespread generalist, MED is typically associated with old oak (Quercus) stands, though it has recently expanded into new habitats. We experimentally examined the dynamics of their interspecific competition comparing situations 20 years old and recent. We used experimental observations of induced aggression and territoriality, and ecological niche characterisation as methods for assessing the competition. Over the last two decades, MAJ’s aggression towards MED has decreased at long-term sympatric sites, suggesting behavioural adjustment. By contrast, MED’s aggression towards MAJ remained stable. Additionally, recent regional differences in interspecific aggression emerged: in sympatric regions, interspecific aggression was very low, whereas in areas where MED has only recently spread, MAJ displayed territorial behaviour towards it. Niche analyses revealed significant recent overlap, with MED’s niche entirely embedded within that of MAJ. We conclude that, despite niche overlap, MAJ has adapted to coexist with MED, whilst MED continues to perceive MAJ as a competitor. This asymmetric dynamic highlights how generalist species may adjust their behavioural strategies to accommodate expanding specialists, whilst specialists may maintain more rigid responses, potentially limiting their competitive flexibility in changing ecosystems.