Plants also provide wildlife with shelter, nesting sites, and protection from predators.

Squirrels and
some birds of prey build nests in forks of tall trees. Other birds build nests in bushes and small trees.

Nesting in Cozy Cavities

Many woodland creatures use tree cavities or hollows for nests, including squirrels, raccoons, owls,
American kestrels, wood ducks, wrens, Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, white-breasted
nuthatches, great crested flycatchers, and several species of woodpeckers and bats. Cavity nesters
make use of trees such as blackgum, American beech, American sycamore, ash, maples, and
American basswood that tend to readily form natural cavities or hollows as a result of wounds from
broken branches, fire, decay, or other damage.

In trees where cavities don’t naturally exist, some animals—primarily woodpeckers—are able to
excavate cavities in which to nest. Secondary cavity nesters, such as wrens and tufted titmice, take
advantage of existing cavities, whether naturally present or excavated by primary cavity nesters.

Streamside Trees

Deciduous trees overhanging streams and ponds keep water temperatures cool in summer for fish
and other water-dwellers, and also supply organic material (detritus) to the water. This provides food
for invertebrate animals such as aquatic insects—important not only to fish but the entire food
chain.

Dead Trees Teem with Life

Dead standing trees and fallen trees on the forest floor serve as nesting, observing, and resting sites
for reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and birds. Dead trees also attract insects, mosses, lichen,
and fungi, which in turn feed many birds and other wildlife.