Because managing pine habitats for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) may result in reductions in habitat for certain neotropical migrant species, an apparent conflict exists between these species when managing stands of pine. However, other high priority species are likely to increase in areas managed for red-cockaded woodpeckers. The Partners in Flight prioritization scheme and research on bird-habitat relationships indicate that most high priority neotropical migrants in the East Gulf Coastal Plain are managed for best in bottomland hardwoods. In contrast, most high priority temperate migrant and resident bird species prosper in mature open pine habitat. Management conflict disappears when managing for red-cockaded woodpeckers and other pine associated species on a landscape scale. This process has ramifications for developing strategies to effectively conserve biodiversity in managed areas.
